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Although Abdul Rahman, an Afghan man who faced death for
converting from Islam to Christianity was released from prison on a
technicality this week, his faith still puts him in danger in his home
country. The United Nations announced Monday that he has appealed for
foreign asylum.
According
to the Associated Press, Adrian Edwards, a U.N. spokesman said the
world body was working with the Afghan government to meet Rahman’s
request.
"Mr.
Rahman”, he said, “has asked for asylum outside Afghanistan…We expect
this will be provided by one of the countries interested in a peaceful
solution to this case."
Numerous
countries, including Italy, Germany, the U.S. and the Vatican had
heavily criticized Afghanistan for the case and appealed for the
release of the 41-year-old. Under that countries Islamic Sharia
Law,converting away from Islam is an offense punishable by death.
Although
Rahman’s case was dismissed because of a lack of evidence, many charge
that Afghanistan needs to change what they see as a horrendously unjust
law. Massive protests erupted yesterday in the northern Afghan city of
Mazar-i-Sharif over the case’s dismissal.
Rahman
is currently being held in Kabul at the high-security Policharki
prison. He was reportedly moved there because of continuous threats
from other inmates.
The
Associated Press also reported that some Muslim clerics have threatened
to incite Afghans to kill Rahman if he is released, charging that he is
guilty of apostasy and deserves to die.
The Afghan government has not released details of Rahman’s release.
Italy is the first country to have offered asylum today, but other countries are expected to follow.
