The husband of a Pakistani Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row has pleaded for asylum from the UK, US or Canada.
Asia Bibi’s husband, Ashiq Masih, said they were in great danger in Pakistan.
The Supreme Court overturned Asia Bibi’s conviction on Wednesday, saying the case against her was based on flimsy evidence.
Her acquittal sparked violent protests, and the government has now agreed to try to stop her leaving the country.
On Saturday, her lawyer, Saif Mulook, fled Pakistan, saying he feared for his life.
Asia Noreen – commonly known as Asia Bibi – was convicted in 2010 of insulting the Prophet Muhammad during a row with neighbours.
Several countries have offered her asylum.
In a video message, Mr. Masih said he feared for his family’s safety.
“I am requesting the prime minister of the UK help us and as far as possible grant us freedom,” he said.
He also called on Canadian and US leaders for help.
Earlier, in an interview with German broadcaster DW, he said he and his family were “frightened”after Pakistan’s authorities struck a deal with the hardline Tehreek-i-Labaik (TLP) party in order to end protests over Asia Bibi’s acquittal.
As part of the agreement, officials will start proceedings to bar her from leaving the country.
The government will also not prevent protesters legally challenging the Supreme Court decision to release her.
“The agreement has sent a shiver down my spine,” Mr. Masih told DW. “It is wrong to set a precedent in which you pile pressure onto the judiciary.”
“The current situation is very dangerous for us. We have no security and are hiding here and there, frequently changing our location.”
He added: “My wife, Asia Bibi, has already suffered greatly. She has spent 10 years in jail. My daughters were dying to see her free, but now this review petition will prolong her plight.”
UK MP Tom Tugendhat, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, said he had asked the Home Office for an “urgent evaluation of the situation”, the Guardian reported
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudry told the BBC that security had been “beefed up” to protect Asia Bibi.
“Yes, there is a situation and we are dealing with it, but I assure you that her life is not in danger,” he told the BBC’s Newshour programme.
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Saudi Arabia frees Prince Khaled bin Talal after months of detention
A Saudi prince arrested for criticising a crackdown on corruption is reported to have been freed from detention.
Relatives of Prince Khaled bin Talal shared pictures on social media, purportedly taken this weekend, showing the prince greeting his family.
The prince, who was held for nearly a year, is a nephew of King Salman.
Prince Khaled’s brother, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, was among dozens of princes and other senior figures held in a corruption drive late last year.
The latest move comes amid intense pressure on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Analysts say Saudi authorities appear to be trying to defuse the crisis by shoring up support from within the royal family.
“Thank god for your safety,” tweeted Prince Khaled’s niece, Princess Reem bint Alwaleed, posting images of him with other family members.
Other pictures shared by relatives showed the prince kissing and embracing his son, who has been in a coma for several years.
The Saudi government has given no official explanation for his detention, nor for his apparent release.
But the Wall Street Journal reported that he was held for 11 months for criticising last year’s mass detention of more than 200 princes, ministers and businessmen over allegations of corruption.
They were held in hotels in the capital Riyadh, including in the five-star Ritz-Carlton.
Analysts suggested that operation was an attempt by the crown prince to consolidate power.
At the end of January the Saudi prosecutor general’s office said more than $100bn (£77bn) had been recovered following financial settlements with those being held.
