Runaway Christian Convert Not Required to Meet With Parents, Judge Rules
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A judge has ruled that a runaway Christian convert is not required to attend face-to-face meetings with her Muslim parents as part of a possible reconciliation plan.
Magistrate Mary Goodrich of Franklin County Juvenile Court on Tuesday denied the request of Mohamed and Aysha Bary to undergo mediation with their 17-year-old daughter Rifqa.
A case-management plan filed last month says the girl and her parents must listen to each other's views about religion if they are to reunite.
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But the plan, which is not a binding document, also notes the girl continues to refuse any contact with her parents or siblings.
SLIDESHOW: Christian Convert Fears Family
Rifqa Bary ran away to Florida last summer saying she fears her father would harm or kill her for leaving Islam.
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Her father has denied the claim and a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation found no credible threats to the girl.