Pakistan: Rimsha's Blasphemy Case Challenged in Supreme Court

Everyone thought Pakistan was moving towards justice, now again the blasphemy case against Rimsha Masih is challenged in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Rimsha's ordeal was hellish but it ended, and now Pakistan is allowing the matter to reemerge, and she is heading back to court.

(ISLAMABAD) - A teen girl named Rimsha was arrested from a slum in Islamabad on 16 August, 2012 after a neighbour accused her of burning pages of Norani Qaida bearing verses from the Quran, which is a violation of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws under section 295B PPC. She suffered after being remanded to custody for three weeks in an adult jail in a case that prompted worldwide condemnation.

The charges against Rimsha led to the exodus of dozens of poor Christian families from the Meranabadi neighbourhood. On 31 August 2012, in a rare show of courage, a man named Hafiz Zubair, came forward as a witness and told an investigating officer that Rimsha's accuser, a cleric named Chishti, had planted evidence against Rimsha Masih. He stated that the cleric deliberately put charred pages inscribed with Quranic verses in the ashes inside of the girl's backpack. Police arrested Chishti and he was granted bail.

Rimsha was granted bail in September 2012 last year and transferred to a safe place. She was freed and taken to a secret place by helicopter to avoid mob justice.

Rimaha's lawyer filed an application for quashing the charge. This was accepted and the allegation and case were dismissed by Islamabad High Court on 20 November 2012, last year which drew an international response.

People all over the world voiced appreciation that Pakistan was moving towards justice.

Now again the blasphemy case against Rimsha Masih is challenged and fixed for tomorrow, 15 January 2013, in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

A feeling of fear has arisen among members of the Pakistani Christian community after this case, particularly the Blasphemy accusation, said the Chief of LEAD.

Martha Bibi is accused of blasphemy was also granted bail in 2007 and now facing trial in Lahore for final verdict of court.

On October 22, 2012, Khuram Shahzad was accused of blasphemy under section 295B PPC, and was also granted bail. Now his case has been moved to Lahore.

LEAD is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. As followers of Jesus, we are motivated by God's love to serve all people regardless of race, religion, gender or ethnicity.

http://leadfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/rimshas-blasphemy-case-challanged-in.html