Pakistani Christian Girl In Blasphemy Case Released On Bail

Pakistani security personnel move Rimsha Masih (second from left) to a helicopter after her release from jail in Rawalpindi on September 8.

A 14-year-old Christian girl accused of blasphemy in Pakistan has been released on bail after more than three weeks in jail.

In a case that has sparked an international outcry, Rimsha Masih was arrested on August 16 after a Muslim cleric accused her of burning pages from the Koran -- a crime that could be punished by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The case against the girl has been unraveling since the cleric who accused her, Khalid Chishti, was arrested by the police on September 1 for allegedly fabricating evidence against the girl.

On September 7, a Pakistani court set Masih's bail at $10,500.

Her lawyer confirmed two guarantors paid the bond on September 8 and she was flown by helicopter to a safe place to be reunited with her family.


Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Geo-TV