Christian Pakistani woman acquitted of blasphemy after drinking water from a cup causes mass riots and protests

After eight years of detention a Pakistani-Christian woman Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death since 2010 after being accused of blasphemy, was allowed to walk free from jail after a landmark Supreme Court verdict on October 31.



Asia Bibi, 47, was convicted for blasphemy under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code for allegedly defaming Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The offence carries mandatory death penalty under the law.



Asia Bibi stated she had a “quarrel” with Mafia and Asma on June 14, 2009, over their refusal to drink water brought by Asia Bibi because she was Christian. She claimed “some hot words were exchanged” during the argument, after which both women, alongside Qari Mohammad Salaam and his wife fabricated the blasphemy case against her. Asia Bibi also stated that she had “great respect and honour for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Holy Quran” and never made the alleged blasphemous remarks.



A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel overturned the death sentence of Bibi.



Pakistani hard liners have taken to the streets since then, calling for her and her lawyers murder.