Pakistan: cleric accused of setting up case against girl accused of blasphemy

Rimsha - screenshot

A Pakistani cleric was remanded in custody on Saturday, accused of planting pages of the Koran among burnt pages in the bag of a young Christian girl who was then arrested for blasphemy.

Rimsha Masih, a 14-year-old girl with learning difficulties, was detained two weeks ago, near Islamabad after an angry mob demanded that she be punished. Earlier this week, a court extended her detention at a maximum-security prison for a further two weeks. The case has sparked international condemnation and many Muslim leaders had already called for Rimsha's release. Supporters have expressed concerns for her safety in prison. Rimsha's parents have been taken into protective custody following threats, and many other Christian families have fled the neighbourhood.

Prosecutors now say Imam Khalid Chishti will himself face charges of blasphemy. A prosecutor said he allegedly told a witness, after tampering with the girl's bag, that this was a "way of getting rid of Christians".

Rimsha's lawyers are calling for her immediate release.