NGO files bail application for 11-year-old Christian girl

World Vision in Progress Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), on Thursday filed a bail application before the Islamabad session court for an 11-year-old Christian girl arrested on charges of blasphemy.

Rimsha, a young Christian girl who reportedly has Down’s Syndrome, was accused of burning pages from a children’s religious instruction book containing verses from the Holy Quran.

The hearing for the case is scheduled to begin on August 28.

The case has prompted concern from Western governments and anger from rights groups, who claimed the blasphemy law is abused in personal disputes and should be reformed.

President Asif Ali Zardari also took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from interior ministry.

There have been conflicting reports on Masih’s age and her mental state. Some media have said she is 11 and suffers from Down’s Syndrome. One police official said she is 16 and mentally sound.

Local said the little girl had burned papers collected from a garbage pile for cooking in her family home and someone informed the local cleric after spotting the remains being thrown out as rubbish.

Earlier, Amnesty International had urged Pakistan to reform its blasphemy laws and protect a young Christian girl arrested for allegedly burning pages inscribed with Quranic verses.

Polly Truscott, Amnesty International’s South Asia director, released the press statement.

He said, “Amnesty International is extremely concerned for Rimsha’s safety. In the recent past individuals accused of blasphemy have been killed by members of the public”.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Aug 23 2012. Filed under Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.