Pakistani Christian girl in blasphemy case released on bail
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 8 September 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani Christian girl in blasphemy case released on bail, 8 September 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5052e2d3c.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 08, 2012
Pakistani security personnel move Rimsha Masih (second from left) to a helicopter after her release from jail in Rawalpindi on September 8.
A 14-year-old Christian girl accused of blasphemy in Pakistan has been released on bail after more than three weeks in jail.
In a case that has sparked an international outcry, Rimsha Masih was arrested on August 16 after a Muslim cleric accused her of burning pages from the Koran – a crime that could be punished by the death penalty or life imprisonment.
The case against the girl has been unraveling since the cleric who accused her, Khalid Chishti, was arrested by the police on September 1 for allegedly fabricating evidence against the girl.
On September 7, a Pakistani court set Masih's bail at $10,500.
Her lawyer confirmed two guarantors paid the bond on September 8 and she was flown by helicopter to a safe place to be reunited with her family.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Geo-TV
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
