AN ASIAN man has appeared in court charged with child cruelty, after it is alleged that two young teenage boys were encouraged to harm themselves as part of a Muslim religious ceremony.

Syed Mustafa Zaidi, 44, of Station Road, Eccles, was arrested by police after a complaint was made to police that the boys had taken part in a traditional Ashura ceremony which involves self-flagellation, at a community centre in Longsight, Manchester on January 19.

Manchester City Magistrates have adjourned the case until March 21. Mr Zaidi, who pleads not guilty to both charges, has opted for trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The bench agreed to give him bail, despite objections by the prosecution, but made strict conditions including the surrender of his passport, that he stays away from the Longsight area, and that he regularly reports to Eccles Police Station.