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Afghan scholars body says must enforce Islamic law
A new Afghan Islamic Council set up by the Supreme Court has called on the U.S.-backed government of President Hamid Karzai to enforce Islamic laws more strictly.
| Okay. I'm ready to leave. How 'bout you? |
Karzai's government has come under fire from some Islamic groups for failing to allow them to tell other people what do do maintain Islamic values and traditions. The council met for the first time this week and called for women to observe an Islamic dress code, and for the government to punish Muslims for the consumption and sale of alcohol and narcotics, as well as adultery and sodomy. But, unlike the hardline Taliban, the Council recommended women continue to have the right to education and to take part in government.
"At the meeting the Ulema (scholars) issued a resolution stressing on the need for the implementation of Islamic orders," said Deputy Chief Justice Fazl Ahmad Manawi. "Fornicators, sodomists, alcohol and drugs consumers will have to be punished. These are not only the demands of the ulema, but also the Afghan Muslim nation."
| "And don't let us catch any of you bastards smiling, either!" |
The council, called by the country's Chief Justice Mawlavi Fazl Hadi Shinwari, consists of 70 elite scholars representing Afghanistan's 32 provinces and will meet once a month, Manawi told Reuters. He said the council had the backing of President Karzai and said he did not expect any opposition to its proposals.
| "If there is, we'll just cut their heads off!" |
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-05-03 |
