Well, they didn't really drop it. They referred it back to the prosecutor, saying that there isn't enough evidence and there's gaps in the case.
I find it interesting that this case is even possible. The article cites that it is a violation of Shariah law to be an Islam and become apostate, in this guy's case, he converted to Catholicism in Pakistan. I thought Shariah law went away with the Taliban being kicked out when the US invaded. I know elements of the Taliban remain, I'm just surprised that this law is still on the books.
The nasty thing is that apostasy under Shariah law is apparently punishable by death.
What adds complicating and interesting facets to this case is that one of the reasons the judge threw it back to the prosecutor is that there are questions about the guy's mental state/capacity. I heard on an NPR report prior to the case being thrown out that he had a history of violence against his family. Now, considering Afghani social structure, I'm not sure what Americans would consider violent would count in Afghanistan. The other interesting thing is that his family are the ones who turned him in.
Definitely weird stuff.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060326/ap_on_re_mi_ea/afghan_christian_convert
I find it interesting that this case is even possible. The article cites that it is a violation of Shariah law to be an Islam and become apostate, in this guy's case, he converted to Catholicism in Pakistan. I thought Shariah law went away with the Taliban being kicked out when the US invaded. I know elements of the Taliban remain, I'm just surprised that this law is still on the books.
The nasty thing is that apostasy under Shariah law is apparently punishable by death.
What adds complicating and interesting facets to this case is that one of the reasons the judge threw it back to the prosecutor is that there are questions about the guy's mental state/capacity. I heard on an NPR report prior to the case being thrown out that he had a history of violence against his family. Now, considering Afghani social structure, I'm not sure what Americans would consider violent would count in Afghanistan. The other interesting thing is that his family are the ones who turned him in.
Definitely weird stuff.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060326/ap_on_re_mi_ea/afghan_christian_convert