Click the pic for a better look.
Posted on 09/28/2001 8:07:29 PM PDT by blam
Saturday, 29 September, 2001, 01:24 GMT 02:24 UK
Kabul aid workers' trial set to resume
The trial of eight westerners on trial in Afghanistan for allegedly preaching Christianity is due to resume in Kabul on Saturday.
The Pakistani lawyer representing the eight, Asif Ali Khan, has left Peshawar in Pakistan for Kabul and hopes to see his clients before the court session begins.
Officials at the Taleban Embassy in Pakistan said Mr Atif Ali and another lawyer had been issued visas and a letter giving them safe passage to Kabul.
The two Americans, two Australians and four Germans are now the only foreigners left inside Taleban-controlled Afghanistan, apart from Muslim militants - most famously, Osama Bin Laden.
Proceedings were disrupted after the 11 September attacks on America, when diplomats and relatives left Afghanistan.
Washington demands release
Washington has demanded that the Taleban release the eight unconditionally. That seems unlikely at this stage.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Mr Atif Ali has an appointment to meet Taleban officials at 1000 (0530 GMT) on Saturday but has no assurances that they will allow him to visit the detainees.
He added that the parents of the two American detainees were in Islamabad and had sent a package containing food, medicine, letters and personal items with the lawyer.
Preaching Christianity is one of the most serious crimes under Taleban law.
However, Taleban officials have said they will protect the westerners in the event of any American attack.
The same honour code which has made it difficult for the Taleban to deport Osama Bin Laden, whom they view as a guest in their country, may well also protect the eight Westerners.
They have now been in custody for almost two months.
The only messages that have reached family and diplomats since 11 September have been via the Taleban foreign ministry.
Sixteen Afghans arrested at the same time have still had no contact with the outside world.
KABOOM!
Excuse me?
Release? They're threatning to kill them. I think a commando raid would be appropriate. (Even overdue)
Yes, I said released, but ehat I really meant is get 'em the hell out of there NOW!
Works for me!
(Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.)
|
November 14, 2001 They are Free! |
||
|
..."Today we've got incredibly good news," President Bush said after the aid workers were plucked from Afghanistan by military helicopters and taken to Pakistan. "Our United States military rescued eight humanitarian workers who had been imprisoned in Afghanistan." ..."Eight foreign aid workers, including two Americans, were safe in Pakistan Wednesday after being held in Afghanistan for three months by the Taliban for preaching Christianity, U.S. officials said. Thank God. Praise God. Praise Jesus. The release/rescue of these people is truly a miracle that only God, working through people, could have accomplished. I have learned over the years that when the very thing happens that you have been praying for, you Thank God For It; and you acknowledge His answer to prayer; and you DON'T minimize it by saying that it just would have happened on its own. I am sure this rescue will prove to be an interesting story in human terms, but it is even more momentous as a miraculous answer to the many, many prayers of many, many people. Thank You Lord! Links to breaking articles about the good news: • Taliban in Disarray; U.S. Rescues Aid Workers Related Links: • Press Releases: Antioch Community Church, Waco, Texas (church of Mercer and Curry)
|
||
|
|
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.