Asia Bibi's husband appeals for help from Spain

The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman, Asia Bibi, sentenced to death for blasphemy, appealed to Spain on Thursday to help free her and grant her asylum.

According to AFP, Ashiq Masih met with Spain's junior foreign minister Gonzalo de Benito in Madrid and spoke to journalists afterwards alongside Masih's daughter Sidra, 19, one of his and Asia Bibi's five children.

"We are very happy and have great faith that this country will help free my wife," Masih said via an interpreter.

He said the family had received threats since Bibi was sentenced to death in November 2010 after women claimed she insulted the Prophet Mohammed. Bibi is currently in jail pending an appeal.

"She is protected in prison and they are treating her well, but she is having a hard time because she is very far from her family and is suffering psychologically," Masih said.

"We live in hiding in Pakistan and we are very afraid. They say we have blasphemed against Mohammed and that they are going to kill us," he added.

Masih appeared alongside representatives of Hazte Oir, a Spanish Catholic campaign group which organised his visit.

News
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians. 

Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment
Gay Archbishop of Wales says some people have left Church over her appointment

The first openly gay Archbishop of Wales says her appointment has caused some people to leave the Church in Wales.