Islamabad: Rimsha Masih, a disabled blasphemous Christian child, on trial tomorrow
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - Tomorrow, September 13th the hearing of the case brought against
Rimsha Masih, a Christian child with mental illness, arrested
and imprisoned on charges of blasphemy. On 7 September, the judges decreed her
release on bail, greeted with satisfaction by Christian leaders and her family
in an interview with our newsagency (see AsiaNews 07/09/2012 "I am very happy for my daughter's
liberation," Rimsha Masih's father tells AsiaNews, and Paul
Bhatti: " joy and satisfaction" for Rimsha Masih's release (on bail)). Her freedom cost one million rupees (about 9 thousand euro) and tomorrow
- at the end of the 14 day extension decided by the court on August 31 - the trial
will begin. In Pakistan
rumors abound regarding her possible presence in the courtroom: If she appears
before the judges, the bail will be refunded. However, the dangers for her
safety remain high and someone believe that, despite the hearing scheduled in
maximum security, she will remain in the "safe and peaceful" location
where she hosted with her parents and siblings.
Some claim efforts are being made to seek the expatriation of the family, deemed
necessary given the risks of retaliation if they remain in Pakistan. A
hypothesis rejected by Muslim religious leaders interviewed by AsiaNews, who say
that Rimsha is "daughter of Pakistan" and her story will
become a "prime example of interfaith harmony." Paul Bhatti, Special
Adviser to the Prime Minister for National Harmony ensures that she "will
remain in Pakistan."
Remarkably, the sum of one million rupees - a very high figure, if equated to
the average income - fixed by the tribunal has also caused concerns (and
voices) of a possible flight abroad.
In an interview released yesterday by the U.S.
network CNN, Rimsha Masih (pictured with her father) strongly denied she had
burned parts of a book containing verses from the Koran, punished by the
blasphemy law in Pakistan
with life imprisonment. She confirms the false charges, artfully assembled by
Imam Khalid Chishti Jadoon, who was arrested by the police as the real author
of the desecration of the holy book of Islam. He wanted to blame the Christians
and trigger a vendetta against them, in order to take possession of their land
and property. "I'm scared - she said - and I'm afraid someone will kill
us."
Speaking to AsiaNews about the trial,
the bishop of Islamabad / Rawalpindi,
Msgr. Rufin Anthony, said that the case "is a milestone" for justice
in Pakistan,
to "highlight the necessary reforms to the blasphemy laws." The
prelate added that the girl "was scared" and the whole affair
"has left her with major trauma." He adds that "the whole family
fears for their safety." The fact remains, Msgr. Anthony concludes, that "Rimsha
is innocent and should be acquitted of all charges immediately."
Mehfooz Maulana Ahmed Khan, an expert on Islamic law, wishes to emphasize the
link between the girl and the country that of her birth, which is also
concerned to ensure her safety. "Rimsha and her family - he tells AsiaNews
- are sheltered in Pakistan,
[Rimsha] is a daughter of Pakistan."
In his view, the family "can return to live in the suburb" of
belonging and "should not leave the country" as indeed they
themselves desire. "People who are trying to send them abroad - said the
Islamic leader - are somehow conspiring against Pakistan. We will use this case as
an example of interfaith harmony."
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