http://www.realcourage.org/2009/08/judge-rifqa-bary-stays-in-florida/
Rifqa Bary: Judge says 17-year-old convert Rifqa Bary must stay in Florida
Orlando Sentinel:
-- "A 17-year-old runaway who doesn't want to return to her Muslim family in Ohio must stay in Florida, an Orange County judge decided this afternoon."
-- "Fathima Rifqa Bary was ordered to stay in Florida as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement launches an investigation into her family and the Muslim community in Ohio where she lives."
-- "The girl has said her father would harm her because she converted to Christianity -- a charge the father denies."
-- "This afternoon's ruling came after a hearing in juvenile court and a surprise meeting between the teen and George Sheldon, head of the Florida Department of Children and Families."
-- "It also came after a prominent South Florida lawmaker demanded the judge not order the runaway to rejoin her Muslim family in Columbus, Ohio."
-- "House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, R-Boca Raton, issued a statement that echoed much of what protesters said this morning outside of the Orange County juvenile courthouse.
-- "However, Hasner said he has been in 'direct communication' with the Attorney General's office and Sheldon because the teen's life must be 'safeguarded,' his statement said."
-- "The girl says she fled because her father had threatened to kill her because she'd converted to Christianity. Her father says she has nothing to fear."
-- "Her family has already agreed to allow her to live with a foster family there."
-- "'No one should have to fear for their lives because of their religious choices,' Hasner said in his statement. 'I urge the court to reject the motion to relinquish custody to Ohio where she may face imminent harm from her family and community if forced to return. I fully support all legal efforts being taken to guarantee the permanent safety of this child's life.'"
See related reports:
-- Florida Governor’s Office Replies on Rifqa Bary Case
-- Court Expected to Send Runaway Teen Home Despite Muslim Honor Killing Fears -- Rifqa Bary
-- Florida: Ohio Girl Says Family Threatens to Kill Her for Converting from Islam to Christianity
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