Asia Bibi seen at risk of mental illness

(Dec. 21, 2011) In Lahore, Pakistan, the director of the organization defending Asia Bibi says the Christian woman accused of blaspheming Prophet Mohammed, needs medical care to ward off mental illness. The Fides news agency reported the update given by Haroon Barkat Masih, international director of the Masihi Foundation, which seeks to protect the rights of Christians in Pakistan and is overseeing Bibi's legal and material assistance. An international delegation from the Masihi Foundation met Bibi on Monday in the district prison in Sheikpura, where she has been for more than a year. They wanted to determine her condition, bring a word of hope and good wishes for Christmas, while the appeal process is still pending before the Lahore High Court.
A statement released by the foundation after visiting the prison reported that "because of her solitary confinement, 46-year-old Asia Bibi, appears considerably older, looks very frail and is even unable to stand on her own. During the time spent with her, her eyes were not fixed at any one place at any time, she could not understand what was happening, she was completely confused and looked astonished," the statement said. "During the whole conversation -- over 2 hours and 20 minutes she reacted in mixed emotions, laughing, crying and going silent for long periods of time," the report added. Bibi told them she has forgiven those who accused her of blasphemy and only wants to return to her family. She asked the Christians of the world "to continue to pray for her."
Haroon Barkat Masih said "If Asia remains in isolation she is likely to risk mental illness. So we ask authorities to immediately allow a team of doctors to visit her and give her treatment.