AFGHANISTAN – Jailed Christian denied access to lawyer

Release is calling for prayer for a Christian prisoner of faith who faces a possible death sentence for 'apostasy'.

Said Musa, who has worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been detained in Kabul since May and is said to have suffered torture, abuse and death threats in custody. He has not yet been allowed to consult a lawyer.

Release understands that charges have not yet been brought – but his arrest was reportedly connected with his decision eight years ago to leave Islam and become a Christian.

Said, who has a prosthetic leg, was arrested after video footage showing Afghan Christians being baptised and participating in prayer gatherings was broadcast on national TV. The broadcast triggered protests throughout the country and prompted some – including a deputy leader in Parliament – to call for Christians to be executed.

Said's family were not informed about his whereabouts for two months after his arrest.

Release is now encouraging supporters to write polite letters to the Afghan authorities expressing concern about Said's situation.

Another Afghan Christian, 25-year-old Shoib Assadullah, has been in detention since October – after he gave a New Testament to someone who then informed on him to the authorities. Shoib, who became a Christian five years ago, is being held in Mazar-e-Sharif district in northern Afghanistan.

(Source: Release source)

Pray
• Pray that Said and Shoib will remain resolute in their faith and know the Lord's comfort, protection and guidance.
• Pray specifically that Said will be granted access to legal counsel. Pray that the cases of both men will be tried quickly and will lead to acquittals.

Act
• Please write a polite letter to President Karzai expressing concern about Said Musa's plight. You can send it via email to: hussain.rahimi@gmail.com or fax it to 020 7581 3452.

For a sample letter and more about Said, go to: http://www.releaseinternational.org/media/download_gallery/Prisoners-of-Faith-Alert-December-2010.pdf


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Through our international network of missions, Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners, and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles; and working for justice.

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