Teenager detained for blasphemy, in Pakistan

Pakistani police, detained and imprisoned a teenager for allegedly burning pages of the Quran outside a shrine, according to officials.

Asif Massih, an 18-year-old Christian, was arrested on blasphemy charges on the night of August 12, shortly after a complaint was issued, police confirmed to Al Jazeera on Sunday.

The alleged incident took place in Jam Kayk Chattha village, which is near the town of Wazirabad in central Punjab province. "He is in jail now," local police official Muhammad Asghar at the Alipur Chattha police station, where the case was registered, told Al Jazeera.

Massih was charged under section 295-B of Pakistan's penal code, added Iqbal, referring to a part of the country's constitution that makes the death sentence mandatory for anyone who damages or desecrates the Quran. He will stand trial and faces the possibility of being put to death.

UCJ, UNILORIN.