Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), immediate past Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Global Human Rights, issued the following statement on Tuesday on Pakistan's top court upholding the acquittal of Asia Bibi:
“I welcome the news that Pakistan’s Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of Asia Bibi, who faced the death penalty after spurious charges of violating Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy law were filed against her. It is a triumph for the rule of law and a victory over extremism. Now more than ever, she and her family must be protected from those forces who may violently disagree with this verdict.”