The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday acquitted Christian Asia Bibi, who was sentenced to death for blasphemy in 2010, and her case has raised resentment abroad and acts of violence in the country.
"She has been acquitted of all charges," Judge Shakib Nizar said as he read the verdict at the Supreme Court. "Bibi will be released immediately."
Asia Bibi, a mother of five, was sentenced to death for a quarrel with a Muslim over a water cup.
Her case brought international attention to the attention of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, and in 2015 she met one of Asia's daughters, Pope Peacock.
The verdict is expected to provoke anger among religious circles that have long advocated the execution of Bibi. In recent weeks, extremists have threatened judges looking into her case.
High security measures were imposed on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital, where roadblocks were set up especially near the neighborhoods where law and diplomatic forces live, a correspondent told AFP.
