Bibi's lawyer seeks asylum in the Netherlands
November 6, 2018
Asia Bibi's lawyer is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, Dutch news outlets reported on Tuesday.
Saiful Mulook defended Bibi after she was sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan.
"I am waiting for an offer from the Dutch government," Mulook was quoted as saying by the website NU.nl.
Mulook had earlier told DW that the world had a duty to protect him, because, if it did not, no lawyer in Pakistan would ever take up a blasphemy case again.
Read more: Asia Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, appeals to US President Donald Trump for asylum
Calling for blood
Bibi's case has divided Pakistan. She was sentenced to death after allegedly insulting the prophet Muhammed to neighbors. The Supreme Court overturned the ruling, sparking mass protests throughout the country by people who want to see her publicly hanged.
Two politicians have already been killed for taking up her case.
At the weekend, the government struck a deal with Islamist protesters to allow a review of the decision to go forward and to block Bibi from leaving the country.
In an interview with DW, Bibi's husband appealed to US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to help the family exit the country.
Canada's foreign minister has since said the safety of Bibi and her family would be a priority for the country.
Bibi has been released from custody, but is under surveillance for safety reasons, Pakistan's federal minister for information and broadcasting told DW.
"The security around her is very tight. I'm confident that she is safe in Pakistan," Fawad Chaudhry said in an exclusive interview.
aw/rt (Reuters)