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28 March 2006
Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
Foreign Secretary
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
LONDON
SW1A 2AH
Dear Mr Straw
THE ABDUL RAHMAN CASE IN AFGHANISTAN
I write to express the deep concern of Scottish Baptists over the case of Abdul Rahman who was threatened with the death sentence in Afghanistan for apostasy following his conversion to the Christian faith.
Over the centuries, Baptists have stood for religious tolerance and the freedom of those of every faith or none to act according to their conscience and convictions. This is a precious freedom which we all enjoy and cherish in our own country. We believe that these freedoms are the right of every person in every country. Our own country's involvement in Afghanistan is surely to assist in the development of a stable government and judiciary which will respect the human rights of the individual and create a peaceful, secure and prosperous society. Although Mr Rahman has been released on what appears to be a technicality, it has been made very clear that investigations into this case are continuing and that his life is in danger simply because he has become a Christian.
We appreciate those voices from within the Muslim community who have challenged the assertion that Islam teaches that apostates should be executed. I urge and plead with you to take a firm stand with the Afghan authorities to make it clear that this country will neither tolerate nor support a regime that acts in this way and breaches fundamental human rights. Because of the presence of our troops on the ground and the considerable support this country is giving to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, I believe your voice will be heeded and any warnings you may give regarding the consequences of continuing to act in this way taken seriously. I hope you will be able to assist in this matter.
Yours sincerely
Rev William G Slack
General Director
Baptist Union of Scotland
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