Post date: Nov 20, 2012 3:23:20 PM
Pakistanis react to the court's decision to dismiss a blasphemy case against a 14-year-old Christian girl, who was charged with burning pages of the Koran in August but was granted bail in September, after a cleric was detained on suspicion of planting evidence to stir up resentment against Christians.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN (NOVEMBER 20, 2012) (REUTERS) - Residents in Islamabad reacted on Tuesday (November 20) to a local court's decision to quash a blasphemy case against a Christian girl who was charged with burning pages of the Koran in August.
Rimsha Masih, believed to be no older than 14 years old, was granted bail in September after a cleric was detained on suspicion of planting evidence against her to stir up resentment against Christians.Many in Pakistan's capital approved of Islamabad High Court's decision to dismiss the case.
"Judges listen to witnesses and pass a decision if there is proof. In this case, there was probably no proof, and the holy Koran had not been burnt. That is why he set her free," said Qadir Ali, a retired civil servant.
Others praised the junior cleric of the mosque who had testified that he had seen his senior cleric planting the false evidence against the Christian girl.
"I would like to give the most credit to the man who testified that the cleric had himself planted the burnt pages (of the Koran). He did a very good job, and because of him an innocent person's life has been saved," said Aamir Murtaza, college student.
The court's decision also received support in the teeming port city of Karachi.
"I think this is a very good decision of the court, because the court did not get any type of solid proof. Because of lack of evidence the court had no option but to dismiss the case," said Shamshad Ahmed.
Those belonging to Karachi's Christian community said the decision had made them heave a sigh of relief.
"In the past people believed that a sword was hanging over their heads, and whoever felt like it could place a false accusation against anyone and get them convicted. But now, they have this consolation that by going to a court, they can get justice," said Ilyas Masih.
Masih's lawyer, Tahir Naveed, said the Islamabad High Court's decision to throw out the case was based on the fact that no one had seen her burning pages of the Koran.
Masih, in theory, could have faced execution under Pakistan's blasphemy law despite her age and reported mental problems.
The case had drawn international condemnation and concern about the rights of religious minorities in the predominantly Muslim country.