Concerns for Asia Bibi's safety prompt request for in-prison hearing

The mother of five, who is the first Christian woman to be handed the death sentence under the country’s blasphemy law, could begin her appeal as early as the end of January.

However, her legal representatives fear a summary execution if she has to make an appearance in the High Court of Lahore.

Haroon Masih, the director of Masihi Foundation, labelled Bibi’s presence in the courtroom of Lahore as “highly ill-advised”, reported Fides News Agency.

“It would expose her to shooting by radicals, as happened to the brothers Rashid and Sajid Emmanuel, accused of blasphemy and murdered during the trial before the court in July 2010 in Faisalabad,” he warned.

Regardless of whether the request is approved, the Masihi Foundation, which has offered her legal assistance, intends to arrange a private convoy for her if it becomes necessary to leave the compound of her prison cell.

Mr Masih warned that “even this transfer implies grave dangers for her safety”.

“Given recent events, we do not trust highly in the security services offered by the State, composed of Muslim men,” he told Fides news. “The terrorists may strike at every opportunity, or infiltrate the guards that should be protecting her.”

Authorities at Punjab Home Department ordered her to be transferred from Sheikhpura Prison to Multan Prison, a women-only facility, within seven days, following a string of death threats by extremists against Bibi’s life, AsiaNews reported on Tuesday.

“We must do everything we can to protect Asia's life,” Masih urged. “We hope that, given the national and international mobilisation, Asia will soon regain her freedom, given her innocence.”