Pakistani police arrest cleric in Christian girl's blasphemy case
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 September 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani police arrest cleric in Christian girl's blasphemy case, 2 September 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/504719a423.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 02, 2012
Pakistani policemen escort Imam Khalid Chishti (blindfolded) upon his arrival at a court in Islamabad on September 2.
Authorities in Pakistan have arrested a Muslim cleric who allegedly framed a young Christian girl arrested last month under the country's controversial blasphemy law.
Witnesses said Imam Khalid Chishti was seen tearing pages from a Koran and placing them in a bag belonging to the girl that already contained burned papers.
Muslim neighbors in the girl's home village outside Islamabad later accused her of burning the Islamic texts, a crime that under Pakistani law can carry a punishment of life in prison or even the death penalty.
The cleric's arrest could lead to the girl's release from prison and is likely to stir fresh debate about the blasphemy law, which critics say discriminates against the country's religious minorities.
The case has proven especially controversial because the girl is believed to be in her early teens and mentally handicapped.
Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
