Protesters hold banners calling for the release of Sheikh Ibrahim ZakzakyImage copyrightREUTERS
Image captionProtesters hold placard and shout slogans demand to release the Nigerian Ibrahim Zakzaky
The imprisoned leader of a banned Shia Muslim group in Nigeria has been flown to India for medical treatment.
A court recently granted him medical leave after nearly four years in custody during a lengthy legal process.
In a statement, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) said Ibraheem Zakzaky and his wife had left for Delhi, accompanied by a government security escort to ensure their return.
The group says he has suffered two minor strokes and is losing his sight.
Sheikh Zakzaky, 66, has been charged with culpable homicide and other offences, all of which he denies.
The couple are expected to stand trial after the treatment is completed.
The pro-Iranian IMN has accused the Nigerian authorities of inflicting "brutal wounds" on the Sheikh and his wife while in detention, and his supporters have protested for months calling for his release.
Who is Sheikh Zakzaky?
Born in 1953 in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, Sheikh Zakzaky founded IMN in his youth and is largely credited for the growth of Shia Islam in Nigeria.
The community was virtually non-existent 30 years ago but is now estimated to include somewhere between 5 and 17% of Nigeria's 100 million people.
Sheikh Zakzaky converted to Shia Islam about four decades ago after visiting Iran. He was heavily influenced by the Iranian revolution in 1979 which saw Ayatollah Khomeini take power from the US-backed Shah.