Islamic lawyers press for blasphemy trial for handicapped Pakistani girl

August 30, 2012

Islamic leaders in Pakistan have objected to a medial commission’s report that a Christian girl should be tried in juvenile court on blasphemy charges.

Disputing the medical commission’s report that Rimsha Masih’s mental age is less than her physical age (because of a mental handicap), an Islamic lawyer has demanded that the girl be held responsible for her actions. She is accused of burning some pages from a primer that included verses from the Qu’ran. A Pakistani court will hear arguments on the case on September 1.

Meanwhile Church officials in Pakistan are worried about the security of both the young girl—who has been held in custody since her arrest—and her family. Muslim extremists have threatened Rimsha Masih and her family with death.

 

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Further information:

• Islamabad, Islamic leaders challenge medical report, call for punishment of Rimsha Masih (AsiaNews)
• Rimsha, new postponement: the counter-party does not recognize the medical report (Fides)
• Court ruling promises gentler treatment for Pakistani girl charged with blasphemy (CWN, 8/28)