The acquittal of Asia Bibi on blasphemy charges in October last year was challenged after widespread protests by mobs of enraged Islamists. In surprising but welcome news, that challenge has now been rejected:
The Supreme Court upheld its decision to overturn Asia Bibi's conviction and death sentence.
She was originally convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours, and spent eight years on death row.
She has always maintained her innocence in a case that has polarised Pakistan.
The Supreme Court's quashing of her sentence last October led to violent protests by religious hardliners who support strong blasphemy laws, while more liberal sections of society urged her release.
Hardliners had petitioned to overturn this ruling.
"Based on merit, this petition is dismissed," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said in court on Tuesday.
Asia Bibi – also known as Asia Noreen – was unable to leave Pakistan while an appeal request was pending.
"She should now be free to reunite with her family and seek safety in a country of her choice," Amnesty International said in a statement.
Bibi has been kept in a secret location in Islamabad, and should now be free to leave Pakistan. To stay would be unthinkable, given the threats of violence against her from hardliners.
There will now, no doubt, be further riots…
Mick Hartley 
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