The acquittal of the mentally disabled girl accused of blasphemy is described as a "double victory". Firstly, the case sets an "important precedent" by making it clear that the law "must not be used for personal gain". Secondly, it established that those who "falsely" accuse others "risk trial and punishment themselves" under the Pakistan Penal Code. Paul Bhatti explains this to AsiaNews. Bhatti is a special advisor to the Prime Minister on issues of national harmony and he makes no secret of his delight at the positive decision in the Rimsha case. But while it is a happy time for the religious minority, he is quick to criticize people (including Christians) who exploit blasphemy cases for their own gain, for example by collecting money, especially from abroad.
On November 20, after many postponements and delays, the final verdict was delivered by the Islamabad High Court, completely acquitting 14-year-old girl Rimsha Masih of violating the 'black law' - on the grounds that the crime never took place. Instead, the prosecution of Imam Khalid Jadoon Chishti continues. Chishti slandered the minor to get the Christian minority expelled from the area and take over their belongings and property. The story has raised international concern due to the girl's young age and the manipulation of the blasphemy accusations.
Paul Bhatti is the brother of minority minister Shahbaz who was brutally murdered by Islamic fundamentalists with 30 bullets in March 2011 for defending Asia Bibi, another Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, and he makes no secret of his "joy and pleasure" at the outcome. "It's not really a victory", he immediately added, "it's just an element of justice that carries a great message: those who use the law for personal gain have been defeated, and there is the certainty that those who falsely accuse others will risk suffering the same fate and being prosecuted".
The Christian politician and senior minister explained that he handled the case "in order to avoid protests and demonstrations by Christians" and not as in the past where street demonstrations have "stirred up Muslim emotions and made things much worse". In this case, he emphasized that he had "asked for further investigations to avoid public protests" and with the help of the government and police "we achieved a satisfactory result". At the same time, he wanted to dedicate the acquittal to his brother Shahbaz Bhatti. "I followed his methods," Paul said, "and made use of his experience," which has proved indispensable in day-to-day work.
He also talks about the many congratulations he has received "from many Christian people", as well as phone calls and congratulations "from just as many Muslims". The minister confirms that "they also want to express their participation in the joy of the acquittal of Rimsha Masih" who is now in a safe place with her family. Bhatti concludes by saying that the case will not lead to a change in the law, but will set a precedent for how the law is interpreted in blasphemy cases. A group of imams, ulema and Muslim religious leaders confirmed that they have set up a working group to ensure the implementation of the changes in interpretation to avoid abuse. "I am optimistic: Pakistani society is changing. Peace and stability in Pakistan is important, also for the rest of the world," he concludes.
Source: AsiaNews
