Update on Asia Bibi

There is increased security for Asia Bibi after she has received new death threats.

Key quote:

The government of Punjab government beefed up security for 45-year-old Asia Bibi in Sheikhupura jail, where she is currently on death row, officials said.

The step was taken after authorities were alerted that a cleric had announced a bounty of Rs 30 million for any person who killed the woman.

Asia Bibi is also facing the threat of a suicide attack by the "Moaviya group", a militant organisation, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted its sources as saying. An intelligence report issued last week alerted authorities about this threat.

Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra, senior vice president of the Pakistan Christian Democratic Alliance, told PTI that a cleric named Maulana Muhammad Yousuf had announced the reward for anyone who killed Asia Bibi shortly after Governor Taseer met her in prison last year.

"Following this, the government directed the Jail Superintendent to ensure the safety of Asia Bibi by all means," Sahotra said.

Read Asia Bibi's own words.

The online petition calling for mercy for Asia Bibi can still be found here.

For those who do not know who she is, here is the story about Asia Bibi's unjust imprisonment and death sentence for "blasphemy" against the Prophet Muhammad.

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