Afghan Christian jailed for conversion released from prison

Published: 2006-03-28

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNS) -- An Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting to Christianity dropped out of sight March 28 after his release from prison the previous day. The court dismissed the case March 26 after the prosecution dropped charges against Abdul Rahman, 41, who was jailed after declaring his conversion to police officers, The Associated Press reported March 28. Rahman disappeared after his release, apparently out of fear for his life, because Muslim clerics still demanded his death, AP reported. Deputy Attorney General Mohammed Eshak Aloko told AP that prosecutors issued a letter for Rahman's release because "he was mentally unfit to stand trial." Rahman reportedly became a Christian several years ago, after working for a Christian aid agency in Pakistan. The Afghan Supreme Court had said Rahman could face the death penalty unless he reverted to Islam, prompting a worldwide outcry.

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