Posted on 03/24/2006 6:38:35 PM PST by blam
Karzai 'gives pledge' to save Christian convert from execution
By Isambard Wilkinson in Islamabad
(Filed: 25/03/2006)
President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan is reported to have given assurances that an Afghan convert to Christianity will not face the death sentence for apostasy.
Mr Karzai is under growing pressure from his western allies to resolve the case of Abdul Rahman.
Abdul Rahman converted to Christianity
Mr Rahman was arrested last week for converting to Christianity from Islam 16 years ago and could face the death penalty if he refuses to become a Muslim again.
The case prompted expressions of concern from President George W Bush and his secretary for state, Condoleezza Rice, as well as Britain, Germany, the United Nations and the EU.
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said that Mr Karzai had assured her that Mr Rahman would not be sentenced to death.
The Canadian government, which has also been in touch with Mr Karzai, said he had promised that Mr Rahman would not be executed. A presidential spokesman in Kabul declined to comment.
The case is a difficult one for Mr Karzai, who has to be seen by his allies as a moderniser but who cannot too hastily brush off the views of Afghanistan's many conservatives.
Mr Rahman told a preliminary court hearing last week that he had converted while helping Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Diplomats in Kabul said the government was searching for a way to drop the case. On Wednesday the authorities said he would undergo psychological examinations to see whether he was fit to stand trial.
A judicial official said that Mr Rahman's family informed on him after a dispute involving the custody of his two daughters.
Most religious and political figures in the country said the government should ensure that Islamic law was enforced.
"He should be executed," said Sadullah Abu Aman, a cleric and a member of parliament from the northern Badakhshan province.
"The West should not interfere," he said.
"It would be better to get no aid or military help from the West for 100 years than accept this affront."
Abdul Rahman is a Christian in the truest sense of the word. Facing his death among the animals for his faith.
The Muslims are going to go around and around until they melt into a pool of pig poop.
Works for me.
"Take away the stone of shame and give him the stone of triumph."
I'm glad to hear we're o the right side of this case. Prayers for this poor guy.
I'm glad to hear we're o the right side of this case. Prayers for this poor guy.
What ever happened to mashing a heretic into a fine pulp?
Not guilty by reason of insanity? He must have been insane because he became a Christian? I wonder what the Muslims would say if the situation were reversed?
Impossible to overcome Mad Moe's teachings. Death of the vermin may be the only safe option.
Every cleric that calls for his head should have his head placed on a pike!!
I listened to Bill O'Reilly on his radio show today...and I was actually embarrassed for him..
He was going on and on about the bravery of this guy...NOT because he became a Christian, and refuses to change his mind..(which is true)...
But, O'Reilly said...it was because he came forward to proclaim his Christianity...
I would think that someone like O'Reilly, who tells the world how he is the "best"...would do some homework before doing a commentary on this..
The man was tattled on by his family over a custody dispute...just like Americans do...when Moms and Dads get divorced...
I am not saying this because Mr. Rahman isn't brave or committed...but because O'Reilly is an idiot.
I can't believe this fellow is even sitting in jail, although at this point he probably needs protection from the rabble.
Karzai has spine.
Well if he isn't going to be executed I guess everything is ok then. (/sarcasm)
I like O'Reilly, but if this is his view of the situation, imagine how clueless the rest of the media must be - not withstanding the 'willfully' clueless, of course.
Makes a person wonder how many other Christians or would-be Christians are being done away with outside of the cameras or else renouncing their Christianity to save their necks.
There is a very long way to go with these people. Makes a person wonder sometimes.....
I read on another thread that he'd be declared insane so Karzai could save face. And then possibly deported.
??
Imagine millions converting under a 'mass delusional fit' to Christianity only to be persecuted by secular humanist in the west!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.