Politics
Wednesday March 22, 2006
Afghanistan President Assures Canadian Prime Minister Christian Convert Will Not be Persecuted
PM assured by Karzai "that respect for human and religious rights will be fully upheld in this case"
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By John-Henry Westen
OTTAWA, March 22, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The trial of Abdul Rahman, who faces death by execution over his conversion from Islam to Christianity - still a capital crime in Afghanistan - has jolted the world out of its naiveté about freedom of religion.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, acted quickly on the matter and has received assurances that Rahman will not be persecuted for his beliefs.
The newly elected Conservative Prime Minister spoke on the phone today with Afghanistan President Karzai. "I called President Karzai today to express my deep concerns regarding the Raham case and the issue of freedom of religion in Afghanistan," said Harper.
"President Karzai listened to my concerns and we had a productive and informative exchange of views. Upon the conclusion of the call, he assured me that respect for human and religious rights will be fully upheld in this case," concluded the Prime Minister.
Abdul Rahman converted to the Christian faith 16 years ago, while working with a Christian aid organization helping refugees in Pakistan. His family, estranged in a custody battle over his two children, denounced him to the authorities. When arrested, he was carrying a bible.
If he recants, he will be "forgiven," said trial judge Ansarullah Mawlazezadah.
"We will invite him again because the religion of Islam is one of tolerance. We will ask him if he has changed his mind. If so we will forgive him," the trial judge told the BBC on Monday.
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