Bail delay in case of Pakistani Christian girl

(September 01, 2012) A Pakistani judge has delayed the bail hearing of a Christian girl accused of violating the country's strict blasphemy laws. During Saturday's hearing on the accused girl, Rimsha Masih, the judge said that he will decide on Monday on the application after a lawyer for the man accusing the girl challenged the authenticity of the bail application. The girl is accused of burning pages of the Quran. Rimsha’s supporters say she is innocent, arguing she is a minor and has Down’s Syndrome. The case has focused attention on Pakistan's blasphemy laws that can result in life in prison or the death penalty. Critics say the laws are used to settle personal vendettas, and Pakistan's Christians live in fear of being accused of blasphemy.