Asia Bibi's husband seeks asylum in Italy: "Help us get out of Pakistan, we're in danger"

A week ago, Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi was found unguilty. The Supreme Court of Pakistan withdrew her death sentence and all charges of alleged blasphemy against Islam.

Asia has been imprisoned since 2010 and has not yet been released. The acquittal has also become a nightmare for her family.

Her husband, Ashiq Masih, and daughters have been forced to hide inside their home, as fundamentalists have sent death threats. Setting foot on the street would mean risking their lives. Ashiq has contacted Aid to the Church in Need.

“I ask the Italian government to give us asylum and help me and my family out of Pakistan. We are in danger.”

He explains that there's hardly any food left because they can't go shopping. This situation has also affected those who defend Asia's innocence. Her lawyer has been forced to flee and has taken refuge in the Netherlands.

The plan was to escape to Canada as soon as Asia Bibi was released from prison, but they are still waiting for the documents certifying her acquittal.

Ashiq was in Rome in February to ask for help. He hopes someone will help them escape from the fundamentalists, so that they can start a new life.