New allegations surfaced this week in the case surrounding Rifqa Bary, the New Albany teenager who said she fled Ohio because she feared she would be killed over her conversion to Christianity.
Bary, 17, is in protective custody in Florida and has refused to return home after making the allegations that her father, a Muslim, would kill her.
Members of the Bary family have denied the girl's claims, saying she is free to practice any religion she would like.
The latest allegation in the case comes from Bary's attorney in Florida, who claims that Bary was also afraid that members of a Columbus mosque might try to harm her.
The girl's father, Mohammed Bary, again denied the claims on Tuesday.
"They are filing something in their court, with their attorney, that is ridiculous," Mohammed Bary said. "It's false allegations, basically."
Attorney John Stemberger, who is representing Rifqa, said leaders of the Noor Islamic Center ordered the teenager's family to discipline their daughter.
Mohammed Bary said he is not a member of the mosque.
"I'm not a member, I'm not anything," he said. "We just go like everybody else, pray for 15 minutes and walk out. That's all we know."
Stemberger has filed a memorandum in a Florida court that he said supports his client's claims.
The memo said the Noor Islamic Center has links to terrorist leaders and extremist speakers who are tied to a Nationwide FBI terror investigation. The Barys said the allegations are just a distraction.
"To my knowledge, I do not see any ties at all," Mohammed Bary said. "This is a family matter. This is my child and I want my child back."
Members of the Bary family said they have not spoken with Rifqa since her first appearance in Florida court, Connelly reported.
10TV's attempts to reach leaders at the Noor Islamic Center were not successful on Tuesday.
Rifqa was expected to return to court in Florida again on Thursday.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
August 21, 2009:
Runaway Convert To
Remain In Fla.
August 12, 2009:
Father Denies
Threatening Daughter Over Religious Conversion
August 11, 2009:
Teen Says
Father Will Kill Her Over Religious Conversion
August 7, 2009:
Missing
Teen Found Safe In Fla.
July 31, 2009:
After Nearly 2
Weeks, New Albany Teen Still Missing
