Pakistani Muslim drops desecration charges

SANGLA HILL, Pakistan — A Pakistani Muslim in the Punjabi town of Sangla Hill dropped formal charges in early January against a Christian he had accused of setting fire to pages of the Quran. Mohammed Saleem’s accusation in November 2005 triggered a violent reprisal from local Muslims, destroying four churches and landing Yousaf Masih in jail for allegedly desecrating the Quran. As part of a reconciliation agreement reached by local Muslim and Christian leaders Jan. 5, Saleem signed an affidavit declaring Masih innocent. Local Christian leaders agreed not to press charges against the mob of 2,000 Muslims who attacked the town’s Christian community. Police have held 88 rioters in custody since the assault. It is not yet clear how the agreement will affect legal proceedings. Bail has been denied to the 88 rioters, and Masih also remains under arrest.