*ISLAMABAD – Ashiq, Aasia Bibi’s husband, has criticised a government dealwith protesters that left her in legal limbo and he urged the authoritiesto protect her.*
Asia Bibi, on death row since 2010 on blasphemy charges, was acquitted bythe Supreme Court Wednesday and ordered set free, triggering protests byreligious parties.
The government reached a deal with the protesters Friday night to end theprotests by agreeing to a travel ban preventing her from leaving thecountry, saying it would not object to an appeal against the verdict.
An appeal has been filed with the court.
“It is wrong to set a precedent in which you pile pressure onto thejudiciary,” He told German Deutsche Welle radio.
He said the government should never have yielded to pressure fromprotesters.
He said the court had been “very courageous” to acquit his wife.
Citing religious reasons, two Muslim women at the time refused to share aglass of water with her and a fight erupted.
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Several days later, the pair reported the incident to a local imam, whosaid Aasia Bibi insulted the Holy Prophet (PBUH), a charge she denies.
“The current situation is very dangerous for us. We have no security andare hiding here and there, frequently changing our location,” he said.
Her lawyer fled Pakistan on Saturday, fearing for his life.
Aasia’s husband demanded the government reinforce Aasia Bibi’s protectionin prison, worrying that she may be attacked. He cited the case of twoChristian men who were shot dead after a court acquitted them in anotherblasphemy case.
“The situation is dangerous for Aasia. I feel that her life is not secure,”he said. “So I appeal to government to enhance Aasia’s security in jail.” -APP/AFP
