 Hundreds of people protested in Afghanistan on Monday against a court's decision to drop a case against a man who converted from Islam to Christianity,
| "Whaddya mean, we can't dismember him?" |
while an official said discussions were underway to determine when he would be released. Officials said the case was dropped Sunday partially because of concerns that Abdul Rahman is mentally unfit to face trial. The move also followed strong pressure from Western governments.
| "The man's obviously unfit to stand trial in a court in a Muslim country! He's perfectly rational!" |
Prosecutors have said they want doctors to examine Rahman, but they have not confirmed that he would be released.
"Doctor! Look at this!"
"By Gad, Dr. Mahmoud! Not only is his turban not too tightly wound, but... but... but he doesn't have a turban!"
"Nurse! Quick! Get the salts for Dr. Ahmed!" |
Prosecutor Sarinwal Zamari said state attorneys were working on the case Monday and an announcement would be made later in the day. An Afghan official closely involved with the case told The Associated Press that the 41-year-old would be released, but authorities were debating how and when it would be done.
| I'd suggest in the dead of night, under armed guard, on the tarmac, with engines running. |
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case, had earlier said that a decision may be made by Monday and that Rahman would not have to remain in jail while prosecutors investigate whether to bring another case against him to the courts. Rahman is being held at Kabul's notorious high-security Policharki prison. He was moved there Friday after inmates at a police detention facility reportedly threatened him.
| Just like the holy men did. |
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