Pakistan Court Overturns Asia Bibi's Death Sentence

Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian

Pakistan Court Overturns Asia Bibi's Death Sentence

CBNNews.com

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian mom sentenced to hang to death for "blasphemy," will not be executed.

The Pakistani Supreme Court's three-judge panel overturned the death sentence, previously issued by two lower courts, on Wednesday.

Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in November 2010 for telling fellow workers on a berry farm, "Our Christ sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins," and "Our Christ is alive."

She has languished in prison for more than six years and is reportedly in ill health.

"The Supreme Court of Pakistan has stayed the execution of Asia Bibi on blasphemy charges," Christian Today quoted Naveed Aziz, with the British Pakistani Christian Association.

"I am pleased with this decision," she said. "It is obvious that international pressure led to this amazing decision, and I thank all people who have called for her freedom. Sister Asia will have to spend more time in jail, but her freedom is now a real possibility and only a matter of time."

A new hearing has yet to be scheduled for Bibi's case. In the meantime, she remains incarcerated.

Her family and friends ask for continued prayers for her and Pakistani Christians.

CBN News Chief International Correspondent Gary Lane has followed this story for years and has met with Asia Bibi's husband and children. Click below for his comments on the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision to reverse her death sentence and what it means for her and the church in Pakistan.