Rimsha says she was falsely accused: CNN

Christian girl expresses fear for her life during phone interview.

Rimsha Masih, a 14-year-old Christian girl accused of blasphemy, gave her first public interview to the CNN, during which she said she had been falsely accused.

When asked if she had burnt the pages of the Holy Quran, she instantly replied, “No, no.” Asked whether she was falsely accused, she said “yes”.

However, according to the CNN, the girl did not explain what happened on August 16 – the day she was accused of blasphemy and arrested in a suburb of Islamabad.

During the phone interview, Rimsha could not disclose where she was, as her location has been kept undisclosed. She was released on bail from Adiala Jail on Saturday, and flown off to a secret location along with her family. She is currently under protective custody of the government.

During investigations into the case, it was revealed that a local cleric had planted evidence on her to make the case “stronger” against Rimsha. Three witnesses have recorded their statements against the cleric.

During the interview, Rimsha also expressed fear for her life “I’m scared… I’m afraid of anyone who might kill us,” Rimsha told CNN by phone.

According to CNN, Rimsha spoke in short sentences during the interview often answering “yes” or “no” in a “shy and nervous voice”.

Rimsha’s father, who was also contacted by CNN, said that no one in his family would ever dishonour the Holy Quran. “We respect the Quran just like we respect the Bible,” said Mizrak Masih, a house painter.

Rimsha’s case sparked an international outcry, owing to her young age and alleged learning disabilities. Some reports suggested that the 14-year-old had Down’s syndrome.

After her release, rumours were rife that she could be sent overseas along with her family owing to the threats she and her family could face in the country.

According to CNN, however, the teen said she does not want to go anywhere other than back to her normal life.

“I love Pakistan. I won’t ever leave my country,” she was quoted as saying.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2012.