Rimsha Masih released on bail is flown to safety by helicopter.
ISLAMABAD, October 1, (Shamim Masih who attended court hearing):
Rimsha, a 14-year-old Christian girl in Islamabad Pakistan accused of blasphemy, may be spared the death penalty as her lawyer Abdul Majeed Rana has submitted an acquittal application in the Islamabad High Court today.
According to Abdul Majeed Rana, (Rimsha’s lawyer) The Chief Justice in Islamabad High court adjourned the case till 17th October and ordered the lower court to stop proceedings until then.
Moving the girl's case to the juvenile court last Monday 24 September, a special court judge in Islamabad, ordered to proceed the case according to juvenile court, following a medical report that confirmed she was only 14 and not an adult when accused of burning an Islamic religious textbook.
The girl, a resident of a slum in Islamabad, was arrested on August 16 2012 after neighbours accused her of burning the Islamic text. In the latest proceedings the court has indicated that Rimsha may escape the death sentence as the country's juvenile laws do not permit capital punishment.
Prosecution lawyer Rao Abdur Raheem, said;
"The judge ordered police to draw up a revised charge for a hearing on Oct. 1"
He added;
"It appears Rimsha may not even be tried as police investigators have said they have no evidence she actually committed a blasphemy."
Earlier, Pakistani authorities arrested a cleric after accusing him of falsifying evidence against the girl.
Today the cleric's lawyer also submitted a bail application for Qari Muhammad Khalid Chisti. However news has emerged today that the original witnesses who accused Cleric Chisti, have withdrawn their testimonies. Now it seems this Imam will escape justice. Read more here:
http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/all-3-witnesses-who-testified-against.html
http://britishpakistanichristian.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/all-3-witnesses-who-testified-against.html
Shamim Masih said;
"It is good news that Rimsha will not face a death sentence. However it is a shame that she has to face a trail at all and has not been acquitted. The withdrawal of testimonies against Imam Chisti will spur hatred against Christians and we call for global prayer and remonstrations for international intervention from humanitarians everywhere."
Families from Rimsha Masih's home town are continuing to be threatened, are jobless and still require assistance. Please continue to call and pray for compensation and a restoration of peace for these families.
The BPCA would appreciate any further donations towards the daily needs of these families, who are in need of a lot more support. If you believe someone you know would be willing to contribute please send this request to them.
Families from Rimsha Masih's home town are continuing to be threatened, are jobless and still require assistance. Please continue to call and pray for compensation and a restoration of peace for these families.
The BPCA would appreciate any further donations towards the daily needs of these families, who are in need of a lot more support. If you believe someone you know would be willing to contribute please send this request to them.
If you would like to contribute to this "Rimsha Masih Fund" (Please use the fund name as a reference) you can pay in several ways;
Firstly by using the PayPal facility on the top right hand corner of our blog. Just click the yellow oval with the words donate and follow instructions.
You can also send your contributions by cheque payable to;
British Pakistani Christian Association.
Address : British Pakistani Christian Association
57 Green Lane
Ilford
Essex
IG1 1XG
Alternatively should you wish you can pay by BACS, direct debit or standing order by paying into the following account details:
Sort Code: 20-67-90
Account Number: 63468976 
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