"I want the president to hear my request." Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi, sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010 and acquitted eight years later before finding refuge in Canada, wanted this Monday that France grant him political asylum.
Living in France "is my desire", she declared on the microphone of RTL, for her first speech in France where she came this week to present her testimony book "Finally free!" ".
"France is the country where I received a new life," explained Asia Bibi, with reference to her autobiographical book co-written with French journalist Anne-Isabelle Tollet, with whom she hopes to continue working.
Asia Bibi received at the Elysée on Friday
"As we have always said, France is ready to welcome Ms. Asia Bibi and her family to France if that is their wish," said the presidency, announcing that the Pakistani woman would be received on Friday at the Élysée Palace.
"Since her conviction in 2010 for the offense of blasphemy, France has been mobilized alongside Asia Bibi," said the Élysée. "We pleaded for his acquittal and acted, with our European and Canadian partners, for his effective release".
Asia Bibi should receive Tuesday afternoon from the hands of the socialist mayor of the capital, Anne Hidalgo, the diploma of honor from the City of Paris which was awarded to her in 2014. It should be her first public appearance.
Asia Bibi, a farm worker and mother in her 50s, had been sentenced to death following an argument with Muslim village women over a glass of water.
A refuge in Canada
This was followed by a long judicial saga which had divided the country and moved the international community, attracting the attention of Popes Benedict XVI and Francis.
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After spending more than eight years on death row in Pakistan, until her acquittal in October 2018, she has lived in Canada since May 2019.
"I have deep gratitude to Canada for giving me a place to stay," said the mother. "I would also like to thank the European Union which for 10 years has worked day and night for my release".