Down's Syndrome Pakistani girl accused of blasphemy

22 Aug 2012: SMH reported a story (http://www.smh.com.au/world/down-syndrome-pakistani-girl-accused-of-blasphemy-20120820-24h15.html) about a Down's Syndrome Pakistani girl accused of blasphemy.

It is alleged that a girl with Down's Syndrome will face death after reportedly holding burnt pages which had Islamic text and Koranic verses on them. The girl known as, 'Rimsha', is known to be living in a Christian household, was arrested by police for blasphemy and if convicted of this crime will be put to death.

Rimsha is said to be 11 or 12 years old and has been detained at a police station in Islamabad for a number of days now. Her first court appearance remanded her in custody for 14 days and Rimsha is expected to go before the court again by end of this month.

This story may be about apparent religious intolerance in a Muslim-majority Pakistan but there are also other important issues that need to be considered:

Firstly, Rimsha is a minor and should not have to be in an adult court

Secondly, Rimsha may have been set up to hold the burnt pages to heat up the political unrest.

Thirdly, Rimsha, may not be aware of what she was doing/asked to do because of her learning difficulties due to her disability

Fourthly, Rimsha may have health issues that need to be cared for due to her disability.