A Lebanese court has acquitted one of the Arab world's most popular musicians, Marcel Khalife, of insulting Islam.

Mr Khalife, a Christian, was accused of including words from the Koran in a song, I Am Yussef Oh Father, about the plight of the Palestinians.

'Vindicated'

Judge Ghada Abou Karoum told the courtroom that Mr Khalife did not commit any crime and proceeded to clear him of all charges.

The trial had been seen as a test case for freedom of expression in a country perceived as one of the most liberal in the Arab world.

"The accused sang solemnly the holy Koranic verses, therefore, he did not insult the sanctity of Koran and neither did he incite any one to do so," the judge said.

Mr Khalife said he was delighted with the verdict and that he had been vindicated.

Controversial trial

The singer, a Maronite Christian known for his progressive views, had faced between six months and three years in prison if he were convicted.

The ruling brings to end a controversial case, brought by the country's Sunni religious authority, which generated widespread opposition in Lebanon and condemnation from international human rights groups.

Throughout the trial, hundreds of supporters gathered in front of the Palace of Justice chanting slogans and singing Mr Khalife's songs.

Dedication to the 'oppressed'

Politicians, lawyers and intellectuals also rallied to the 48-year-old singer's defence, saying he has not broken any law.

Mr Khalife has said he had dedicated the song - whose lyrics originate from the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish - to the "oppressed" people of southern Lebanon and the Palestinians, saying both live under Israeli occupation.

The singer is renowned throughout the Arab world for his nationalist songs composed during the 15-year Lebanese civil war.