A Pakistani court has over ruled the death sentence of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy, a case that has polarised the country.
Asia Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting the prophet Muhammad in a row with her neighbours.
She has maintained her innocence, but spent the last eight years in solitary confinement.
The landmark ruling has already set off violent protests by hardliners to support strong blasphemy laws.
Demonstrations against the verdict are being held in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Multan.
The red zone in the capital police has sealed off Islamabad, where the Supreme Court is located,, and paramilitary forces deployed to keep protesters away from the court.
Chief Justice Saqibnisarm, read the ruling that Asia Bibi can walk freely from jail in Sheikupura, near Lahore, immediately if not wanted in connection with any other case.
She was not in court to hear the ruling, but reacted to the verdict from prison with apparent disbelief.
The trial stems from an argument Asia Bibi, whose full name is Asia Noreen, had with a group of women in June 2009.
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