Macron Meets Pakistani Christian Woman, Sparks Controversy over Islam in France

On the agenda of this meeting, which takes place on Friday, February 29, 2020 at the Élysée, is the possibility of granting political asylum to this 49-year-old Pakistani Christian woman, sentenced to death in her country.

A meeting that quickly provoked the anger of the association’s leader. "A Pakistani, living in Canada, acquitted in Pakistan for ’blasphemy’, receives an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron who offers her ’political asylum’ as if to thank her for her hatred of Islam. France deeply hates Islam," writes Idriss Sihamedi, president of the BarakaCity association, on his Twitter account.

Another leader drives the point home. "Do I have to ask my undocumented clients to become Catholics so that they can be received by the Minister of the Interior," tweets Sefen Guez Guez, one of the lawyers of the Collective against Islamophobia in France (CCIF).

On RTL, Monday, February 24, Asia Bibi revealed her intention to obtain political asylum in France. "It is my desire [...]. I have the desire that the President [Emmanuel Macron] hears my request," said the Pakistani Christian.