Christian girl arrested for alleged blasphemy
- 12 years ago
Authorities in this slum in Pakistan have arrested a Christian girl named Rishma for alleged blasphemy.
Details about the girl vary. Some witnesses say Rishma, who's between 12 and 16 years of age, has Down's syndrome.
The landlord of the Rishma's family home said his nephew saw her throwing out trash that included burnt portions of the Koran.
The landlord said soon after the incident, people began to protest and demanded she be arrested.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Minorities Alliance said Christians, who make up 4 percent of Pakistan's population, have been especially concerned.
(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SPOKESMAN OF ALL PAKISTAN MINORITIES ALLIANCE, SHAMUN GILL, SAYING:
"There is no doubt that minorities, especially Christians, feel very insecure."
Blasphemy carries the death penalty under Pakistani law.
Although opponents of the law say that becuase convictions hinge on witness testimony, they are often linked to personal vendettas.
Details about the girl vary. Some witnesses say Rishma, who's between 12 and 16 years of age, has Down's syndrome.
The landlord of the Rishma's family home said his nephew saw her throwing out trash that included burnt portions of the Koran.
The landlord said soon after the incident, people began to protest and demanded she be arrested.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Minorities Alliance said Christians, who make up 4 percent of Pakistan's population, have been especially concerned.
(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SPOKESMAN OF ALL PAKISTAN MINORITIES ALLIANCE, SHAMUN GILL, SAYING:
"There is no doubt that minorities, especially Christians, feel very insecure."
Blasphemy carries the death penalty under Pakistani law.
Although opponents of the law say that becuase convictions hinge on witness testimony, they are often linked to personal vendettas.