FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2019
 Contact: Press@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the arrival of Pakistani Christian Aasiya Noreen, internationally known as Asia Bibi, in Canada months after her acquittal on blasphemy charges in Pakistan:
 
“I am thrilled that Asia Bibi has finally been released from Pakistan and is now safe in Canada. For eight long years, this Christian woman was on death row on blasphemy charges. I stood for her freedom every step of the way, and today we are thankful for her liberty. Such an injustice should never happen again,” said Dr. Paul.
 
Following a disagreement with neighbors, Asia Bibi was charged with blasphemy and sentenced to death row in 2010. After an international outcry, the Pakistani Supreme Court stayed her execution and ultimately acquitted her in October 2018, upholding the verdict in January 2019.
 
Throughout her ordeal, Dr. Paul worked to turn up the pressure on Pakistan for her release, including alerting Americans about her situation, pushing to end U.S. foreign aid to Pakistan, and introducing a resolution urging Pakistan to release her and to reform its laws that have led to the targeting of religious minorities. Dr. Paul also called for the U.S. to grant Asia Bibi asylum and discussed her situation directly with President Donald Trump.

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