UN spokesman Adrian Edwards said the world body was working with the Afghan government to meet the request by Abdul Rahman, 41.

"Mr Rahman has asked for asylum outside Afghanistan," he said. "We expect this will be provided by one of the countries interested in a peaceful solution to this case."

Earlier, hundreds of people protested against a court's decision on Sunday to drop the case against Rahman, and an official said discussions were underway to determine when he would be released.

Officials said the case was dropped partially because of concerns that Rahman is mentally unfit to face trial. The move also followed strong pressure from Western governments.

Prosecutors said they want doctors to examine Rahman, but they have not confirmed that he would be released. Prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said state attorneys were working on the case on Monday and an announcement would be made later in the day.

CNN