Latest update on the Rifqa Bary case, taken from my Examiner column today.
Resolution in Rifqa Bary case still nowhere in sight
Rifqa Bary, the Ohio teen who this past summer made headlines when she ran away to Florida out of fear her devout Muslim parents would kill her or have her killed due to her becoming a Christian, had yet another appearance today in a Columbus courtroom. Although the session brought developments, an end to the case appears no closer than before.
The session was initiated after a request by Omar Tarazi, the attorney for Bary’s parents, that the court put an end to Rifqa being allowed to receive Christmas cards. There was also a motion filed by Rifqa’s parents to have their daughter held in contempt of court for refusing to attend Muslim counseling sessions.
Mary Goodrich, the magistrate in the case, ruled the issues currently being discussed in the case would better be handled by individual counseling with the parties involved rather than group sessions. Earlier this month, a caseworker had recommended a meeting be held between Rifqa and her parents at which each would be required to discuss their beliefs.
The motion to require no more Christmas cards or other outside correspondence be delivered to Rifqa was withdrawn by Mr. Tarazi.
A counselor is currently working with Rifqa to determine if she is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. During today’s court session Rifqa reportedly asserted this to be the case along with stating she is not ready for any mediation efforts between her and her parents.
Prior to today’s hearing, Rifqa has requested to be made a ward of the state, which would keep her in a foster home, presumably the one where she now resides, until she turns eighteen in August of next year.
The next court date in the case will be January 19th.
All believers are requested to keep Rifqa in their prayers.
NOTE: Those wishing to send cards and/or letters to Rifqa may do so at this address:
Rifqa Bary
c/o Angela Lloyd
255C Drinko Hall
55 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
