Pakistan 'Koran plot' imam remanded in blasphemy case

A Pakistani imam has been remanded in custody, accused of planting pages of the Koran among burnt pages in the bag of a Christian girl held for blasphemy.

A Pakistani imam has been remanded in custody, accused of planting pages of the Koran among burnt pages in the bag of a Christian girl held for blasphemy.

The girl was detained two weeks ago near the capital Islamabad after an angry mob demanded she be punished. Imam Khalid Chishti allegedly told a witness that this was a “way of getting rid of Christians”, a prosecutor said. The girl, named as Rimsha, is said to be about 14 and to have learning difficulties.

The case has sparked international condemnation. Earlier this week, a court extended Rimsha’s detention at a maximum-security prison by a further two weeks.

Her father has said he fears for his daughter’s life and for the safety of his family. He has called on Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to pardon her. Rimsha’s parents have been taken into protective custody following threats, and many other Christian families have fled the neighbourhood. Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws are often used to settle personal vendettas, correspondents say. Last year two leading politicians were assassinated after speaking out against the legislation.