ICC Note: The family of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan, met with Pope Francis last weekend and prayed for Bibi’s release. The papal meeting came at a time when the European Union (EU) is considering making trade sanctions on Pakistan dependent on Bibi’s release. Will this meeting and the EU sanctions be enough to see Bibi released from prison after almost 9 years on death row?

02/27/2018 Pakistan (CBN) – The family of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman imprisoned now for nearly nine years on blasphemy charges has renewed hope that new pressures on the Pakistani government may lead to her release.

Bibi’s husband Ashiq Masih, and her 18-year old daughter met with Pope Francis at the Vatican this past weekend. The meeting occurred as the Roman Colosseum was bathed in red light at 6:00 pm Saturday in recognition of Christian martyrs of the faith.

The meeting was reportedly emotional, and Pope Francis prayed with Ashiq, Eisham, and Nigerian Rebecca Bitrus, who was kidnapped and held by Boko Haram jihadists for two years.

After meeting with the pope, Eisham told a reporter that she believes her mother will soon be released from prison, but the family must then flee Pakistan or they will be killed.

Asia Bibi was jailed in June 2009 after her Muslim co-workers became upset over her use of a drinking cup. Angry words were exchanged and they accused her of committing blasphemy against Mohammed.

She was convicted and sentenced to death. In October 2016, Bibi appealed her case to the Pakistan Supreme Court.  She’s still waiting for the appeal to be heard.

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