Afghan Christian convert arrives in Italy, gets refugee status

Published: 2006-03-30

ROME (CNS) -- An Afghan man who faced the death penalty for converting to Christianity flew to Italy after his release from prison. Abdul Rahman, 41, arrived in strict secrecy and was being cared for by the Italian Interior Ministry, said Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi March 29. The following day, Italian officials granted Rahman refugee status on grounds of religious persecution. Pope Benedict XVI and others had appealed for Rahman's release, urging Afghan authorities to show respect for freedom of religion. The authorities complied, despite demands from Muslim leaders that Rahman be barred from leaving the country. Afghan prosecutors dropped charges against Rahman March 26. He disappeared after his release, apparently out of fear for his life.

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