Aid groups suspended in Afghanistan amid proselytizing probe
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 31 May 2010 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Aid groups suspended in Afghanistan amid proselytizing probe, 31 May 2010, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4c172b27c.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 31, 2010
Parliament speaker Mohammad Yunos Qanuni has asked for further investigation.
KABUL – Afghanistan says it has suspended the activities of two foreign aid groups after local television said they were promoting Christianity.
The Economy Ministry said Norwegian Church Aid and World Church Services were under investigation for proselytizing.
Proselytizing for any religion but Islam is against the law in Afghanistan. Those found to be promoting Christianity or any other non-Muslim creed can face the death penalty.
Meanwhile, parliament unanimously passed a resolution today calling for the closure of all NGOs and aid groups found to be promoting Christianity, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reports.
The parliament asked for harsh actions to be taken against those who violate Afghanistan's Constitution.
The speaker of the lower house of parliament, Mohammad Yunos Qanuni, called for the Afghan government to investigate the matter. He asked that parliament be given enough documentation to take further action.
The report on the NGOs was aired by Afghanistan's local Nurin television. The station is owned by an Afghan businessman, Haji Arif, who is believed to be close to Qanuni.
with agency reports
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
