Persecuted Christian in Afghanistan Not an Isolated Case

The persecution of Christians is on the increase around the world
FRONT ROYAL, Va. March 22 /Christian Newswire/ — In a letter to President Bush, Christian Freedom International urged for the immediate release of Abdur Rahman, a man who is in prison for his faith in Afghanistan. Rahman faces the death penalty because he converted to Christianity.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident,” said Christian Freedom International President Jim Jacobson. “The persecution of Christians is an increasing, unintended consequence of the War on Terror. Minority Christians face severe and growing persecution in many Islamic nations including Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and elsewhere. This must be condemned at the highest levels wherever and whenever it occurs.”

“The arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Rahman for converting to Christianity is a cause of major concern for all freedom-loving people, but it is the tip of the iceberg,” said Jacobson. “His case is one of the few times in recent history the ‘mainstream media’ actually covered a story on Christian persecution.”

“While we want Mr. Rahman to go free, there are thousands of other persecuted Christians in Islamic nations just like him,” said Jacobson. “Becoming a Christian should not be considered a crime in Afghanistan or elsewhere.”