After intense international pressure, the Afghan courts have dropped all charges against a convert to Christianity, Abdul Rahman. The judge said there is a lack of evidence against him. However, Islamic leaders continue to call for his death. Following the court decision, Rahman was protected in an undisclosed location in Kabul while a safe country was found for him to live. Despite a vote from Afghanistan 's parliament earlier today demanding that Rahman stay in the country, he arrived in Italy today at the invitation of the Italian government.
While international attention has centered on Rahman's specific case, the constitutional law under which he was arrested has not changed. It remains illegal for Afghans to convert from Islam. Those who convert face the death penalty.
On March 22, Compass Direct reported on the arrest of two other Afghan Christians. The names and locations of these converts remain confidential for their safety. Other Christians have recently been beaten, threatened and subjected to police raids.
While VOMC is thankful that the life of Rahman has been saved, we urge Christians to continue to pray for Afghanistan 's Christians and urge government leaders to pressure the Afghan government to change the laws restricting religious freedoms in this tumultuous country. For assistance in writing letters, click here. Government contact information is available through links through our links page.
Pray that Rahmad will maintain a heart of forgiveness for those who have persecuted him. Pray that he will find continued opportunities to share his faith with others wherever he lives. Pray that Christians who remain within Afghan prison walls because of their love for Christ will also be released soon. Pray that the government of Afghanistan will honour individuals' religious rights, including the right to convert.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Afghanistan , click here.
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