Death could await Afghan Christian Convert

CNN
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Washington (US):
In the days of the Taliban, those promoting Christianity in Afghanistan could be arrested and those converting from Islam could be tortured and publicly executed.
That was supposed to change after U.S.-led forces ousted the oppressive, fundamentalist regime, but the case of 41-year-old Abdul Rahman has many Western nations wondering if Afghanistan is regressing.
Rahman, a father of two, was arrested last week and is now awaiting trial for rejecting Islam. He told local police, whom he approached on an unrelated matter, that he had converted to Christianity. Reports say he was carrying a Bible at the time.
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See Also:
Bush Troubled by Afghan Convert's Case
Afghan Case Highlights Debate Over Religious Freedom
Afghanistan says court to decide fate of convert
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"They want to sentence me to death, and I accept it," Rahman told reporters last week, "but I am not a deserter and not an infidel."The Afghan constitution, which is based on Sharia, or Islamic law, says that apostates can receive the death penalty. Rahman's case illustrates a split over the interpretation of the Afghan constitution, which calls for religious freedom while stating that Muslims who reject Islam can be executed.
Nicholas Burns, undersecretary for political affairs, said he understands the complexities of the case and promised the United States would respect Afghan sovereignty.
However, he said, Afghans should be free to choose their own religion, and he believes the nation's constitution supports that.
Mar 22, 2006