Rifqa Bary able to live in the US
by Marshall Ramsey II, Worthy News US Correspondent
Columbus, OH (Worthy News)– Rifqa Bary, the Muslim-turned-Christian convert who ran away from her parents last year fearing her life was in danger, has been granted permanent resident status in the United States, Worthy News has learned.
Miss Bary, now 18, was 16 years old when she ran away from home after hiding her Christian faith for four years. In a sworn affidavit, she said she feared that her father, a Muslim would kill her after threatening her when finding out about her conversion.
She left home and went to Florida, staying with a Christian family whom she had met on the internet. Miss Bary had sought to stay in Florida, but a local court denied her permission, saying she must return to Ohio. She was placed in the custody of Franklin County Children Services while other issues connected with the case were being worked out.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY STATUS GRANTED
Miss Bary’s attorney, Kort Gatterdam said he can confirm that Rifqa got her permanent residency status, and that after five years she can become a US citizen. “She is still making plans about her future with those who care about her most,” he said. “With the case being over only a couple of weeks ago, she hasn’t had a chance to sit back and decide what she wants to do with her future yet.”
TENSIONS REMAIN
Mr. Gatterdam said that she (Rifqa) has not had contact with any family members and that she is still afraid of them.
Mohamed Bary, Rifqa’s father, denies that he threatened to kill his daughter. “We wouldn’t do her harm,” he has said, adding that he knew his daughter was involved with Christian organizations. “I have no problem with her practicing any faith,” Bary added, but acknowledged he would prefer that she practice Islam.
In a previous court briefing, Miss Bary alleged her father had said, “If you have this Jesus in your heart, you are dead to me!” She said after that he stated, “I will kill you!”