“Kambakhsh was accused of mocking Islam and the holy book, the Koran, and for distributing an article which said Prophet Mohammad had ignored the rights of women.”
Whatever Kambakhsh’s intent was, cases like this demonstrate the sort of resistance any potential Islamic reformers face. The simple act of acknowledging that Islamic texts, teachings, and the example of Muhammad himself are problematic with respect to women’s rights and human rights brings threats — and repercussions under shari’a law — such as those which Kambakhsh faces. And of course, U.S. and other coalition forces are putting their lives on the line in that same country. For this?
Sharia Alert. “Afghan journalists seek release of colleague,” from Reuters:
MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan – Dozens of Afghan journalists and activists on Saturday sought the release of a journalist detained by security officials for allegedly making blasphemous comments.
The 23-year-old Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh, reporter of Jahan-e Naw daily paper and a journalism student at Balkh University in northern Afghanistan, was detained three months ago.
Kambakhsh was accused of mocking Islam and the holy book, the Koran, and for distributing an article which said Prophet Mohammad had ignored the rights of women.
“An article which said Prophet Mohammad had ignored the rights of women.” Time for a refresher in consistency and quality control among Reuters staffers. Or do all religious figures get their customary honorifics now?
Activists gathered outside at the Human Rights Commission’s office in Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital of Balkh, demanding the journalist’s release.
Habibullah Habib, the head of Balkh University, said Kambakhsh was detained following accusations by his classmates and an investigation had begun.
Kambakhsh’s brother, Sayed Yaqub Ibrahimi who is also a journalist, said the charges were false.
Security officials refused to comment on the matter.
Blasphemy is punishable by death in Islam and Afghanistan is a deeply conservative Islamic country.