Ohio convert’s dad: Laptop started it all

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Muslim father of a runaway Ohio teen who converted to Christianity says he believes the ordeal started with a gift he gave her last fall — a laptop computer.

Mohamed Bary says his daughter, Rifqa, slept all day and stayed up all night searching the Internet. Rifqa disappeared July 19 and is living in Orlando with a pastor and his family. Authorities said the teen met him through an online Facebook prayer group.

The 17-year-old says she fears for her life because of her new faith.

Her father says she can practice Christianity and only wants her to return home.

The case has attracted the interest of Christian activists who view it as a test of religious liberty.

A Florida judge says the teen will remain in foster care until a hearing Tuesday.