Two daughters of Asia Bibi – a Christian mother of five who was acquitted of blasphemy in Pakistan last October – have reportedly taken refuge in Canada ahead of a court decision this week on whether a challenge to her acquittal can proceed.
The Telegraph reports that Bibi, also known as Aasiya Noreen, is expected to join her daughters in Canada if the challenge is rejected by Pakistan’s Supreme Court. The daughters reportedly flew to Canada with a guardian last month.
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In a case which made headlines around the globe, Bibi spent eight years on death row after she was convicted of defaming the Prophet Mohammed during an altercation with fellow farm labourers over her drinking from a cup of water.
Pakistan’s Supreme Court quashed her conviction in October but, after protests by Islamic hardliners, President Imran Khan agreed to allow them to petition the court against the decision. The petition is scheduled to be heard on 29th January.
