Abdul Rahman (convert) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Abdul Rahman
عبدالرحمن
Rahman in 2006
Born	1965 (age 59–60) Kabul, Afghanistan
Known for	Converting to Christianity from Islam
Criminal charge(s)	Apostasy
Criminal penalty	Capital punishment
Children	2

Abdul Rahman (Dari: عبدالرحمن) was born in 1965 in Kabul, Afghanistan. He became widely known in 2006 when he faced serious legal trouble in Afghanistan. This happened because he had changed his religion from Islam to Christianity.

His case caused a lot of discussion around the world. Many countries and groups spoke up to support him. They believed everyone should be free to choose their own religion. Because of this international pressure, Abdul Rahman was released from prison. He then found a new home in Italy.

Abdul Rahman's Early Life and Faith Journey

Abdul Rahman was born in 1965. In 1990, he was working with a Catholic aid group in Peshawar, Pakistan. This group helped Afghan refugees with medical care. During this time, he learned about Christianity and decided to become a Christian. He was then baptized into the Catholic Church. After his conversion, he chose the name Joel.

In 1993, he moved to Germany. He later tried to find safety in Belgium but was sent back to Afghanistan in 2002. This was after the Taliban government was no longer in power.

When he returned to Afghanistan, his family did not agree with his decision to change his religion.

His Arrest and Trial

In February 2006, Abdul Rahman's family reported him to the police. He was arrested after police found that he had a Bible. It was difficult for him to find a lawyer in Kabul who would help him.

At that time, the laws in Afghanistan were very strict about changing one's religion. Prosecutors asked for a very serious punishment for Abdul Rahman. They said he had betrayed his country and religion.

The trial began on March 16, 2006. It quickly became known around the world. The chief judge in the case said that Abdul Rahman would be asked to change his mind. The judge explained that Islam is a religion of tolerance. He said that if Abdul Rahman regretted his choice, he would be forgiven.

However, Abdul Rahman remained strong in his beliefs. Even though he faced a very serious outcome, he said, "I am a Christian, which means I believe in the Trinity... I believe in Jesus Christ."

Efforts to Help Abdul Rahman

While Abdul Rahman was on trial, many Afghan Christians worked to bring attention to his situation. They wanted the world to know about the challenges faced by Christians in Afghanistan.

Checking His Mental Health

On March 22, 2006, Afghan officials announced they were checking Abdul Rahman's mental fitness. This meant doctors would examine him. If he was found to be mentally unwell, his case could be dismissed.

Some officials thought he might not be mentally stable. However, the prosecutor said he did not see any mental problems. Abdul Rahman himself said he was fine and ready to answer questions.

Many people believed that checking his mental health was a way for the Afghan government to find a solution. They wanted to release him without upsetting powerful religious leaders in the country.

His Release and New Home

On March 24, 2006, Afghan authorities said they were thinking about releasing Abdul Rahman. President Hamid Karzai met with government ministers to find a way to free him. They wanted to do this without angering conservative Muslim clerics who wanted him to be punished.

On March 28, 2006, news spread that Abdul Rahman had been released. The United Nations also announced that he had asked for safety outside Afghanistan.

The very next day, March 29, 2006, the Prime Minister of Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, announced that Italy would offer Abdul Rahman a safe place to live. Abdul Rahman arrived in Italy that same day.

International Support for Abdul Rahman

Many countries and organizations around the world spoke out against Abdul Rahman's trial. They saw it as a violation of human rights. They called for his release.

• Australia: The Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard, said Abdul Rahman's case was "appalling." He found the idea of someone being punished for their religious belief hard to believe.
• Canada: The Canadian government was concerned. The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, spoke with President Karzai. He was told not to worry about a negative outcome.
• European Union: The Austrian Foreign Minister, Ursula Plassnik, spoke for the European Union. She said they would do everything to protect Abdul Rahman's rights and save his life.
• Germany: The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, received assurances from President Karzai that Abdul Rahman would not be sentenced to death.
• United Kingdom: The Church Society, a group within the Church of England, condemned the trial. They asked Christians to show their outrage and urged the British government to use its influence.
• Amnesty International: This human rights group called for Abdul Rahman's release. They said he might be a "prisoner of conscience."
• United States: Many U.S. officials protested Abdul Rahman's arrest. President George W. Bush said it was "deeply troubling" that a country the U.S. helped liberate would punish someone for their religion. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also spoke directly to President Karzai. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a U.S. Islamic group, also called for his immediate release.
• Vatican City: Pope Benedict XVI asked the President of Afghanistan to pardon Abdul Rahman. He asked for respect for human rights, which are mentioned in Afghanistan's constitution.

Concerns About Aid to Afghanistan

Some countries, like Germany, suggested that Afghanistan could lose financial aid or support for rebuilding efforts. This would depend on the outcome of Abdul Rahman's case. German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said that human rights, including freedom of religion, must be protected.

In response, Afghanistan's Economy Minister, Amin Farhang, said that Western countries were reacting too emotionally. He stated that Afghanistan was trying to build a democracy. However, he added that changing religion was too extreme for a traditional Islamic society like Afghanistan.

See also

In Spanish: Abdul Rahman para niños

• Kamilia Shehata
• Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam
• Islam and other religions
• Persecution of Christians
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights