Bounty offer for 'death of blasphemer'

A Pakistani court sentenced Asia Bibi to death on 8 November, triggering protests from human rights groups and Christian organisations in Pakistan and abroad. Islamist political parties have demonstrated in support of the sentence and the blasphemy laws.

Yousef Qureshi made the call for her murder at a rally in the north-western town of Peshawar yesterday.

"The Mohabat Khan mosque of Peshawar will pay a reward of 500,000 rupees (3,700) to those who kill Asia Bibi," Qureshi told about 300 people, referring to the mosque he preaches at.

Christians accused of, or convicted of blasphemy, have been murdered before in Pakistan. Rights groups say police are often reluctant to investigate the crimes or give minorities protection in general.

Later, Mr Qureshi told reporters that his first demand was for the government to execute Mrs Bibi. If not, he said, "then we appeal to the mujahedeen, the Taleban and all those who love the Prophet to come forward and kill this woman."

Mrs Bibi, a 45-year-old mother of five, has been in jail in Punjab province for the past year and a half after being convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. She and her family say she is innocent and the victim of a personal feud. She has been supported by the governor of Punjab, as well as Pakistan's minority affairs minister.

Dozens of Pakistanis are sentenced to death each year under blasphemy law.