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Imam held in Pakistan blasphemy case Pakistan 'Koran plot' imam remanded in blasphemy case
(about 7 hours later)
Pakistani police have arrested an imam accused of planting burnt pages of the Koran in the bag of a Christian girl accused of blasphemy, officials say. 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.The girl was detained two weeks ago near the capital Islamabad after an angry mob demanded she be punished.
However, a witness has testified that imam Khalid Chishti put the pages in the bag himself, local media say. Imam Khalid Chishti allegedly told a witness that this was a "way of getting rid of Christians", a prosecutor said.
The case of the girl, named as Rimsha, who is said to be about 14, has sparked international condemnation. The girl, named as Rimsha, is said to be about 14 and to have learning difficulties.
A report by a government-appointed medical board seen by the BBC suggests the girl has a mental age of less than 14. 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.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.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.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.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.Last year two leading politicians were assassinated after speaking out against the legislation.
'Proven conspiracy'
Imam Chishti appeared in the Islamabad court with a white blindfold and shackled hands.
There was a large police presence as he was ushered into the building.
"The imam was arrested after his deputy Maulvi Zubair and two others told a magistrate he added pages from the Koran to the burnt pages brought to him by a witness," an investigator Munir Hussain Jaffri said.
He said Mr Zubair and some others had told the imam not to interfere, urging him to "give the evidence to the police as he got it".
According to Mr Jaffri, Imam Chishti had told them: "You know this is the only way to expel the Christians from this area."
The investigator said the cleric had been arrested at his home on Saturday under Pakistan's blasphemy law.
"By putting these pages in the ashes he also committed desecration of the Holy Koran and he is being charged with blasphemy," he said.
The girl's lawyer told AFP news agency that Rimsha "should be acquitted immediately", as it had been "fully proven that it was a conspiracy".