Germany Wants Karzai To Intervene In Conversion Case

Hamid Karzai (file photo) (epa)

March 21, 2006 -- A German minister has been quoted today as asking Afghan President Hamid Karzai to intervene in the case of an Afghan man who risks the death penalty for converting to Christianity.

Germany's "Bild" newspaper quotes Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul as saying the German government "will do everything possible to save the life of Abdul Rahman."

Rahman, who lived in Germany for years, was detained in Afghanistan after authorities learned of his conversion.

Afghan Supreme Court Judge Ansarullah Mawlavizada said Rahman went on trial last week.

Officials say he faces possible execution if he refuses to revert back to Islam. Islamic Shari'a law prescribes death for Muslims who convert to another religion.

(AFP, ITAR-TASS)