MPs demand UK asylum for blasphemy row mum
Christian facing death threats in Pakistan after 8 years in jail
‘Mark of shame that UK has failed to act’
MPs and campaigners last night demanded Britain should offer asylum to a Christian Pakistani woman facing a lynch mob after being freed from death row.
Asia Bibi spent eight years in solitary confinement on charges of blasphemy after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her Muslim neighbours.
The Roman Catholic and her family appealed for sanctuary in the UK after her conviction was quashed and hardliners took to the streets in violent protest.
A total of 19 Catholic MPs and Peers have written to Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt urging him to allow her to come here. Labour MP Mary Creagh, one of the signatories to the letter, said: ‘I think the world has been shocked by the awful treatment of Asia Bibi and her unjust imprisonment. Several countries have offered her asylum and it is a mark of shame that Britain has failed to do so given our large Pakistani community here and our historic ties.’
While John Woodcock, an Independent MP on the home affairs select committee, said: ‘The UK should be proud to be a sanctuary for those being persecuted because of their religion so it would be appalling if Asia Bibi is genuinely being denied asylum because of fears she could be targeted by Islamist hardliners over here.’
Wilson Chowdhry, from the British Pakistani Christian Association, said that Britain had been helpful, but added: ‘The failure of Britain to provide an offer of asylum to Asia is disturbing. British people should feel disgusted at the recent actions of our Foreign Office which scrubs away a much lauded history of providing asylum and refuge to the most vulnerable victims of persecution.’ Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen added: ‘I think the Foreign Office should look again at this case and we should be offering her and her family asylum.’ Margot Parker, a Member of the European Parliament, said: ‘She must be allowed to live in peace with her family in a country that can offer sanctuary to a genuine refugee fleeing for her life.’ While Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said: ‘The UK ought to let her in, she clearly needs asylum.’ A candlelight vigil will be held for Ms Bibi outside Pakistan’s High Commission in London today. Last night, the Home Office refused to comment on the case.