Harper pleads for Afghan Christian

Harper pleads for Afghan Christian
Urges Karzai to aid religious freedom
Man may face execution for converting


Mar. 23, 2006
SEAN GORDON
TORONTO STAR


OTTAWA—Prime Minister Stephen Harper expended some of Canada's newfound influence in Afghanistan, pressuring President Hamid Karzai to ensure that religious freedom would be "fully upheld" for a man facing the death penalty for converting from Islam to Christianity.

In a telephone conversation with the Afghan leader yesterday, Harper added his voice to the international chorus of condemnation over the treatment of Abdul Rahman, 41, who was recently jailed for having converted to Christianity.

Michael McCafferty comments:

Two points.

One, the president of Afghanistan must ensure there is truly 'freedom of religion' in that country.

Two, I comment Prime Minister Harper for his leadership in contacting the President of Afghanistan on this important issue.

It is barbaric for Afghanistan to allow for the hanging of any person who becomes a Christian. Simply stated: it is wrong.