Pakistan: Supreme Court closes Rimsha Masih case

Pakistan’s Supreme Court yesterday dismissed a final attempt to reopen Rimsha Masih’s blasphemy case, bringing a close to the legal proceedings on the matter.

On 20 November 2012, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered that the case against Rimsha Masih, the young Christian girl accused of blasphemy the previous August, be thrown out. Her accuser’s lawyers filed an appeal against the decision last week and this was heard yesterday by a bench of three judges, including the Chief Justice himself.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in Pakistan so the prosecution has now exhausted its appeal options.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide’s (CSW’s) Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “We welcome this swift decision by the Supreme Court, which is a significant one in the context of Pakistan’s blasphemy law debate. It is a relief to know that this final avenue of appeal has now been closed, but attention is still needed on the safety of Rimsha’s family and community, as well as prospects for further dialogue on the blasphemy laws beyond the forthcoming national election period and related political tensions.”

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact Kiri Kankhwende, Press Officer at Christian Solidarity Worldwide on +44 (0)20 8329 0045 / +44 (0) 78 2332 9663, email kiri@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a Christian organisation working for religious freedom through advocacy and human rights, in the pursuit of justice.