The Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the conviction of Aasia Bibi, a Christian mother facing execution for blasphemy, in a landmark case which has incited deadly violence and reached as far as the Vatican.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Saqib Nisar announced the landmark verdict. “The appeal is allowed. She has been acquitted. The judgement of high court as well as trial court is reversed. Her conviction is set aside,” said Justice Nisar.
Bibi appeared to be in state of disbelief after hearing the decision from her lawyer. “I can’t believe what I am hearing, will i go out now? Will they let me out, really?” Bibi told AFP by phone from prison after the ruling.
Also read: The case of Aasia Bibi
“I just don’t know what to say, I am very happy, I can’t believe it.” Bibi was set to be released immediately according to the court, although there was no word if any security arrangements were being made for her protection.
The apex court had reserved its ruling on Asia Bibi’s final appeal against execution on October 8. While reserving the verdict after an hours-long hearing, the top court had restrained both electronic and print media from discussing or commenting on the matter till the final judgement.
Asia Bibi was convicted for blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code for allegedly defaming Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
A trial court had convicted her for blasphemy in November 2010 and sentenced her to death. The Lahore High Court (LHC) had upheld her conviction and confirmed her death sentence in October 2014. The Supreme Court had admitted her appeal for hearing in July 2015.
As soon as the SC announced its verdict, politicians, journalists and renowned personalities among others took to Twitter to share their thoughts regarding the acquittal.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sherry Rehman termed the verdict as ‘landmark’ and also asked the state to protect all those who stand for the rule of law.
Landmark judgement by Supreme Court to acquit #AasiaBibi today.False accusers took half her life away. Now the state must protect all those who stand for the rule of law and justice.We have all been witness to the havoc mobs have wreaked to red lines before.That line must be held
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) October 31, 2018
Daily Times Editor Raza Ahmed Rumi lauded the SC bench and urged the government to ensure stern security measures for the judges.
Much respect for the honourable judges of Supreme Court who gave this bold decision. It’s not easy. The government (including the military/Rangers) must ensure their security and take all appropriate measures. They have been threatened by some zealots. #AasiaBibi #Pakistan
— Raza Ahmad Rumi (@Razarumi) October 31, 2018
Actress Mahira Khan said: ‘May we always be ruled by the law of humanity’
May we always be ruled by the law of humanity. Pakistan Zindabad #AasiaBibi
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) October 31, 2018
Journalist Afia Salam said ‘Aasia being innocent means she was falsely accused. False accusation is supposed to be punishable by law’.
#AasiaBibi 's acquittal means she was innocent. Her being innocent means she was #falslyAccused. False accusation is supposed to be punishable by law.. which was tabled and taken back! #Justice cannot be complete without it serving as a deterrent.
— afia salam (@afiasalam) October 31, 2018
Lawyer Daanika Kamal lauded SC’s verdict.
https://twitter.com/daanistan/status/1057492746557161472
Journalist Sana Bucha said the apex court has done its job and now is the time that the state and the media act responsibly.
The SCP has done its job. Now it’s time for the state to act responsibly. And the media. #AasiaBibi case is a sensitive issue in a country that runs high on religious sentiment that can be misdirected. Case in point: @salmantaseer Let a mother return home. Safely.
— Sana Bucha (@sanabucha) October 31, 2018
‘I am literally in tears’ says Twitter user @aloovibes
i’m so happy i’m literally crying!! to watch a gruesome murderer be worshipped by your people.. to have completely lost hope for years, only for righteousness to prevail..to see a woman you’ve prayed for since you were a child walk free? nothing like it. so thankful. #AasiaBibi
— shy fawkes (@butterbooter) October 31, 2018
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