Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Adbul Rahman Back In the News

Earlier this year, I wrote quite a bit about Abdul Rahman, an Afghani who was threatened with execution for converting to Christianity. It looks like he's making the headlines again:

Remember Abdul Rahman? He's the Afghani convert to Christianity who was charged with apostasy. He avoided being on trial for his life because the court, in a resounding blow for religious freedom and human dignity, decided that he was too crazy to really be an apostate. After his release, he moved to Italy.

Well he's back in the news.

The kidnappers of an Italian photojournalist have demanded Italy hand over an Afghan who converted to Christianity from Islam by midnight Sunday in return for the hostage's release, a Web site said.

Gabriele Torsello was taken by five gunmen last Thursday in the violence-plagued south of the country. Afghan police say he is being held by the Taliban, but the group has denied any involvement, blaming criminals.

The kidnappers did not say what they would do if their demand was refused, said PeaceReporter (www.peacereporter.net), which specializes in conflict cover.

They demanded Abdul Rahman, 41, who converted 16 years ago while working with a Christian aid group as a refugee in Pakistan, be returned to Afghanistan . . .

In Rome, the Foreign Ministry said it "took note" of the demands, but would make no further comment.

If you want to understand how this is possible, this is the best place to start.

This situation is very sad. Freedom of religion is one of the basic tenets of American culture. Abdul's story highlights the sadness that this freedom is something many around the world do not enjoy.

In March, I attended a rally outside the Afghan embassy to support Abdul's release from prison. I hope this time many more will take notice of what's going on and use this as a focal point for bringing more attention to the lack of religious freedom around the world. As Kevin Hasson says, we all should have "the right to be wrong".

My previous posts on Abdul Rahman:

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