» 11/20/2012 PAKISTAN Paul Bhatti: the acquittal of Rimsha Masih, an important "precedent" in blasphemy cases The Catholic minister speaks of "double satisfaction": the verdict states that the law cannot be used "for personal use" and whoever calumniates "will suffer a similar trial." The congratulations and satisfaction of Christian leaders and Muslim personalities. The case will be used to revise not the law, but its interpretation. "I'm optimistic", he says, "the society is changing."
Islamabad (AsiaNews) - The verdict of acquittal for Rimsha
Masih, the Catholic minor with mental problems, indicted for blasphemy, is cause
for "double satisfaction". First, the event constitutes "an
important precedent" whereby the law "cannot be used for personal
purposes." In addition, those who "unjustly" accuse other people
"themselves risk a trial and penalties" under the Pakistan Penal
Code. This is what the Catholic Paul Bhatti told AsiaNews; Bhatti is the Special Adviser to the Prime Minister for
National Harmony, and does not hide his satisfaction at the positive outcome of
the event involving the girl. However, in this moment of joy for the religious
minority, he does not spare criticism of those (including Christians) who
exploit blasphemy cases for personal gain, to raise money and funding
especially abroad.
Today the High Court in Islamabad - after several updates and
suspensions of the sessions - finally acquitted the 14 year old Catholic Rimsha
Masih (see AsiaNews 11/20/12Islamabad: the charge of
blasphemy dismissed for Rimsha Masih, a disabled Christian girl) of the charge of violating the "black law",
archiving the case because the crime never occurred. Instead, the proceedings
against Imam Khalid Jadoon Chishti continue; Chishti slandered the minor in
order to obtain the expulsion of the Christian community and to seize their
goods and property. The story had prompted international concern due to the
girl's young age and the manipulation of blasphemy charges.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Paul Bhatti, brother of the Minister
for Minorities Shahbaz, massacred by Islamic fundamentalists with 30 gunshots
in March 2011 for having defended Asia Bibi, another Christian woman sentenced
to death for blasphemy, does not hide his "happiness and joy".
"It is not a victory", the special adviser for National Harmony
immediately explained, "it is just one element of justice that carries a
great message: those who use the law for personal purposes have been defeated;
and to this there is added the certainty that those who make false charges are
likely to suffer the same fate and be tried."
The Catholic politician and ranking minister explained that
he had handled the affair "in order to control protests or demonstrations
by Christians," as opposed to what had occurred several times in the past;
the street demonstrations "exacerbated the minds of Muslims, making things
worse". In this case, he underlined, "I asked for further
investigations, avoiding public protests" and with the cooperation of
government and police forces, "we got a satisfactory result." At the
same time, he wished to dedicate this first verdict to his brother Shahbaz
Bhatti: "I followed his method", said Paul, "and his
experience", which are proving to be fundamental in daily work.
He also tells of the messages of congratulation "from
many Christian personalities," along with phone calls and shows of
appreciation and congratulations "from just as many Muslims." "They,
too", the minister confirmed, "sought to express joy and closeness to
the acquittal of Rimsha Masih" who is now in a safe place, along with the
rest of her family. The story, Bhatti concluded, will not lead to a
"revision" of the law, but constitutes a "precedent" to
improve the "interpretation" of cases and events of blasphemy. A
group of imams, ulema and Muslim religious leaders have confirmed that they
have established a working group, called to introduce those adjustments that
will prevent abuses. I am optimistic: Pakistani society is changing; peace and
stability in Pakistan are fundamental also for the rest of the
world."(DS)