Court decision due for Rimsha Masih in Pakistani blasphemy trial

November 14, 2012

Pakistan’s High Court in Islamabad has completed its final hearing on the case of Rimsha Mashi, the mentally handicapped young Christian girl who faces blasphemy charges.

In final arguments, defense lawyers asked the court to dismiss the complaint, saying that the young girl had been “framed” by an Islamic leader, Imam Khalid Jadoon Chishti, who has already been found guilty of planting evidence. Prosecutors argued that the complaint against the imam should not affect the case, and questioned a medical report that Rimsha Masih was not competent to understand her own actions.

After postponing a decision in October, the High Court has indicated that it will issue a ruling on the case soon. The arrest of Rimsha Masih sparked complaints from human-rights activists, but Islamic militants have kept up steady pressure for her conviction.

 

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Further information:

• Trial for Rimsha has concluded: waiting for the verdict (Fides)
• Rimsha Masih awaits blasphemy verdict (Christianity Today)
• Pakistani court again delays ruling on girl's blasphemy charge (CWN, 10/17)