Australia urges release of death row mother accused of blasphemy

Foreign Affairs officials are actively lobbying for the release of a Pakistani woman on death row for offending the prophet Mohammad.

Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi.

Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi. Source: AAP

Australian diplomats are actively lobbying for the release of a Pakistani woman on death row for blasphemy.

Christian mother Asia Bibi has been sentenced to death in Pakistan for offending the prophet Mohammad.

The case reportedly centres on allegations Bibi drank water from a cup shared by Muslim co-workers in 2009.

Pakistan's Supreme Court met on October 8 to consider her last legal appeal, but there has been no announcement or confirmation of when a decision will be made.
October 2018: Protests in Pakistan against  Christian woman Asia Bibi, who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy.
October 2018: Protests in Pakistan against Christian woman Asia Bibi, who has been sentenced to death for blasphemy. Source: AAP
Foreign Affairs officers have raised the case with high-ranking Pakistani officials twice in the past five weeks.

Senior diplomat Simon Merrifield discussed the matter with Pakistan's high commissioner earlier this month.

His approach came after Australia's ambassador for women and girls, along with the high commissioner to Pakistan, raised the case with the South Asian nation's new minister for human rights.

"We continue to advocate for her release," Mr Merrifield told a Senate estimates hearing on Thursday.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz suggested Australia ought to reconsider the "relatively generous" aid provided to Pakistan as part of its representations.


"When a country seems to be so recalcitrant, I'm just wondering whether financial matters might assist them to mend their ways," Senator Abetz said.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne was careful to point out the court appeal is still afoot.

"Senator, I think it's important to note there are certain matters before the Supreme Court of Pakistan at the moment, and we're very conscious of that," she said.


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2 min read
Published 25 October 2018 6:00pm
Updated 25 October 2018 6:21pm

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