ISLAMABAD: The Amnesty International said on Tuesday that Aasia Bibi must get her freedom after the Supreme Court upheld its earlier decision of acquitting her of blasphemy charges.

Responding to the SC’s decision to uphold its ruling, again acquitting Aasia Bibi of blasphemy charges and ordering her release, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner, Rimmel Mohydin, said: “Aasia Bibi must finally get her freedom and an end to her ordeal. After nine years behind bars for a crime she didn’t commit, it is difficult to see this long overdue verdict as justice. But she should now be free to reunite with her family and seek safety in a country of her choice.

“The authorities must also resist and investigate any attempts to intimidate the Supreme Court. They have a duty to protect against threats of violence to harm religious minorities or the lives of judges or other government officials.

“This shameful delay in enforcing Aasia Bibi’s rights only reinforces the need for the Pakistani government to repeal the blasphemy laws as soon as possible, as well as other laws that discriminate against religious minorities and put their lives in danger,” she said.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2019