March 27, 2006 San Diego

Christian Convert on Trial in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, another country where US troops are engaged, a legal case has triggered worldwide concern for religious freedom. An Afghan man was jailed and faced the death penalty because he converted from Islam to Christianity. Many Western leaders pressured the Afghan government to intervene. But Afghan clerics said Islamic law requires execution. American Muslims, on the other hand, say there is no basis in Islamic law for such punishment.