Posted on 02/25/2010 11:34:40 AM PST by rae4palin
Rifqa to parents: We're done. Runaway convert says reconciliation impossible
ASSOCIATED PRESS COLUMBUS -- A teenage runaway who fled Ohio with the alleged help of Christian pastors, claiming she'd be harmed for converting from Islam to Christianity, says a reconciliation with her Muslim parents is no longer possible.
Efforts by Ohio and Florida courts to reunify Rifqa Bary with her family have failed and she continues to fear being hurt by her parents, according to a court filing by Bary's attorneys.
"Bary continues to refuse any contact with her parents and has made clear that she does not foresee a time when she will agree to have any contact with her parents," Bary's attorneys said in the Monday filing in Franklin County Juvenile Court.
Bary, 17, wants Judge Elizabeth Gill to rule that a reunion is impossible and that it's not in Bary's best interest to be returned to her native Sri Lanka. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com ...
Rifqa ping.
I do not understand why this isn’t just an “emancipated minor” case, particularly since she is so close to 18. These judges are idiots.
I would imagine it is
A very good point.
-Thanks.
Sounds like they are using the threat of deportation to try and force her to go back. She cannot turn 18 fast enough. Then this whole farce will end.
There is no emancipated minor law in Ohio.
Her birthday is August 10. I wonder if her best bet is to fire her lawyer and ask the court to provide time for a new one to get up to speed. I know that strategy worked to keep one serial killer from execution for decades. She only needs 6 months.
No such thing as an emancipated minor under Ohio law.
THANKS.
MUCH APPRECIATE THE PING.
Good grief—no emancipated minors...I thought that was everywhere. How long until she’s eighteen? Can she even get married at 17?
This could be a deadly error, and I hope she rephrases her position. Until her 18th birthday, she needs to keep her words ambiguous and play for time. A flat "it's over" statement is an invitation for the judge to give a decision, while the clock will run out if she can just keep things ambiguous for six more months. Whenever your life is in the hands of the courts, it's time to play the game - and she'd better start playing for keeps.
Ohio does not have an “emancipated minor” law. That is why.
Not without her parents permission.
I disagree with your strategy. Rifqa must fight, fight, fight. Things are starting to look good for her. Some of her isolation has been lifted (see previous article). She is receiving letters and is being allowed to attend church. I think complete victory is likely (including permanent legal resident status).
I agree with your strategy, BUT Rifqa should never say that it's over or that she and her parents have irreconcilable differences, not until she is of legal age. She cannot afford to give up the appearance that there is hope for a negotiated settlement until the court loses jurisdiction over her.
Thanks for the ping!
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