Pakistan frees the Christian woman from the line of death

A Pakistani court has rejected the death penalty of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy, an occasion that has polarized the nation.

Asia Bebe was sentenced in 2010 after being charged with insulting the Prophet Muhammad along with her neighbours.

She has always pleaded innocent, but has spent most of the last eight years in isolation.

The historic decision has already sparked protests by hard lines that support strong blasphemy laws.

Numerous police forces were in the Supreme Court in Islamabad, as many people feared violence could erupt.

Justice chief Sakib Nisarm, who read the verdict, said Asia Bibi could be released from prison in Sheikupura, near Lahore, immediately if she had nothing to do with any other case.

She wasn't in court to hear the verdict.