Accused Under Pakistan's Blasphemy Law
In June 2009, Asia Bibi, a Catholic mother of five from rural Pakistan, was harvesting berries when an argument arose with her Muslim co-workers over whether the water she brought was "unclean" because she was Christian. Days later, she was accused of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.
On November 8, 2010, a district court sentenced her to death—the first woman in Pakistan to receive a death sentence for blasphemy.
Eight Years in Solitary Confinement
Asia spent more than eight years in solitary confinement, awaiting execution. The isolation was crushing. "Sometimes I was so disappointed and losing courage," she later said, "I used to wonder whether I was coming out of jail or not, whether I would remain here all my life."
Yet her faith held firm. "She and her husband have remained resolute in their faith and have prayed daily for their release," reported those who stayed in contact with her.
Global Campaign for Her Release
Her case drew worldwide attention. Pope Benedict XVI called for clemency. Pope Francis met with her husband and daughter. Rome's Colosseum was lit red in solidarity. Over 400,000 people signed petitions for her release.
But the cost was high. Two Pakistani officials who defended her—Governor Salman Taseer and Federal Minister Shahbaz Bhatti—were assassinated for speaking up.
Freedom and Life in Exile
In October 2018, Pakistan's Supreme Court finally acquitted Asia, finding insufficient evidence. The verdict sparked violent protests. For months she could not leave the country. Finally, on May 7, 2019, she arrived in Canada to begin a new life.
From exile, Asia now advocates for others still imprisoned: "My whole life suffered, my children suffered. There are many others facing the same ordeal."
