Miss Afghanistan Win Award at Miss Earth

Yahoo News ^ | 11/10/03

[anniegetyourgun]

MANILA, Philippines - Miss Afghanistan Vida Samadzai, condemned in her homeland for parading in a bikini at the Miss Earth contest, won the pageant's first "beauty for a cause" award on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Samadzai, the first Afghan in three decades to take part in a beauty contest, failed to make it to the contest's semifinals.

But judges announced that, for the first time, they were handing out a "beauty for a cause" prize. They awarded it to Samadzai for "symbolizing the newfound confidence, courage and spirit of today's women" and "representing the victory of women's rights and various social, personal and religious struggles."

They said the award would be given annually from now on — and it was not clear if it was created especially for Samadzai.

Samadzai could face prosecution if she returns to her native country because of her attire at the Manila pageant, a senior Afghan justice official said Saturday.

Fazel Ahmad Manawi, deputy head of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, told The Associated Press that Samadzai, a college student in California, had betrayed Afghan culture by appearing at the Miss Earth contest in a bikini — and may have also broken the law.

"I hope that this lady regrets her actions," Manawi said. He added that Afghan prosecutors may open an investigation, but refused to say what charges or penalties Samadzai could face.

Regardless of any legal action, Samadzai's parading down a catwalk in a red bikini during the contest's qualification last month was a radical departure from the traditional image of Afghan women.

Samadzai left Afghanistan in 1996 to study in the United States.

The Miss Earth crown went Sunday to Miss Honduras Dania Prince. Brazil's Pricila Zandona was selected first runner-up, Costa Rica's Marianela Zeledon Bolanos was chosen second runner-up, and Miss Poland Marta Matyjasik was third runner-up.

[anniegetyourgun]

[The Great RJ]

I'd be for broadcasting her photos into Saudi Arabia and Iran--it might loosen up those tight a**es. I bet the critics of her bikini pictures probably have their own libraries of far worse stuff.

[JoJo Gunn]

[dead]

Couldn't you find a smaller, less revealing picture?

[finnman69]

lighten up Francis...I'm here to make your day..

[Jim Cane]

There is no doubt that she is a beautiful beautiful woman. And just my type (smokin' hot brunette with "knowing" eyes) woohoo!

[RonF]

Fazel Ahmad Manawi, deputy head of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, told The Associated Press that Samadzai, a college student in California, had betrayed Afghan culture by appearing at the Miss Earth contest in a bikini — and may have also broken the law.

"I hope that this lady regrets her actions," Manawi said. He added that Afghan prosecutors may open an investigation, but refused to say what charges or penalties Samadzai could face.

So the Afghanistan Supreme Court claims juristiction over all acts committed by Afghans, regardless of whether they were committed within it's boundaries or not?

[Chi-townChief]

HUBBA, HUBBA !!!

[dead]

She's good looking, but c'mon, Miss Earth?!?

Miss Local Bar I can see, maybe even Miss Small Town after some competition heads off to college or gets knocked up.

[finnman69]

aww come on....

Yes yes, we suspect there is some serious waxing involved here but Miss Local Bar?

[RiflemanSharpe]

She really blew them away in the formal burka competition.

[finnman69]

Just a tad too skinny but still hot.

[BossLady]

"Samadzai could face prosecution if she returns to her native country because of her attire at the Manila pageant.................. Samadzai, a college student in California......"

Uhhhh.....somehow...I don't think she's going back to Afghanistan.... ;)

[finnman69]

[finnman69]

"Mohammed, I have a jihad in my pants again."

[ItsOurTimeNow]

[Age of Reason]

I could never stand outies.

Looks like this calls for corrective surgery by that Doctors without Borders bunch.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

You'd probably kick her out of the sack for eating crackers...

[Age of Reason]

HUBBA, HUBBA !!!

bleeeeetch

[Age of Reason]

You'd probably kick her out of the sack for eating crackers...

Even without the crackers, she wouldn't even be allowed on line.