'New Dawn for Oppressed Minorities' but Religious Hate Rising: 6 Reactions to Asia Bibi's Acquittal

By Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, November 01, 2018

1. The American Center for Law and Justice

Witnesses go before a Joint Subcommittee hearing on the status of imprisoned Iranian-American Pastor Saeed Abedini held at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC on Thursday, December 12, 2013. From Left to Right: Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, vice chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Mrs. Naghmeh Abedini, wife of Pastor Saeed Abedini; Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the American Center for Law Justice; and Dr. Daniel Calingaert, executive vice president of Freedom House. | (Photo: The Christian Post)

The American Center for Law and Justice Executive Director Jordan Sekulow said that the law group's team was present in the courtroom in Lahore when the verdict was read.

"For more than four years, the ACLJ has relentlessly fought for Asia Bibi's freedom, engaging in a multi-pronged legal advocacy campaign across the globe. We've worked through our office on the ground in Pakistan," the law group noted.

"We've presented Asia Bibi's plight to the U.N. to urge intervention. We've sent legal letters directly to Pakistan, demanding her immediate release. We are thankful to the more than 800,000 people around the world who have signed our petition for her freedom. Today, Asia Bibi is now a free woman."

Sekulow pointed out that the Christian mother of five is still in danger, however.

"Islamabad, the seat of the highest court in Pakistan, was on high security alert today. Rangers were deployed around the court and other parts of the capital. And there are reports of mobs in the streets burning tires over the court's decision to release her," he warned.

"While this is a day of victory and celebration for Asia Bibi, her family, and all those who have relentlessly prayed for her, Asia and Christians in Pakistan need continued prayers. Today's verdict will not make many in Pakistan happy. The death threats that have been issued against Asia and the justices should be taken seriously."