Case against Afghan convert dropped

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 27 (UPI) -- More than 1,000 Muslims demonstrated in protest Monday over the government's decision to stop prosecuting a man who converted to Christianity.

Abdul Rahman, who converted to Christianity in Germany 16 years ago, was charged with rejecting Islam and potentially faced the death penalty under Islamic Sharia law.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai personally intervened in the case amid international pressure.

The demonstration was in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif, with chants of "Death to Bush!" and calls for the international community to leave Afghanistan's constitutional laws alone.

Details of Rahman's imminent release were being kept secret, as feelings in Kabul are also running high, the BBC reported.

Supreme Court Judge Ansarullah Mawlavizada told the network there was considerable doubt that Rahman was fit to stand trial, as the man appeared "disturbed." The judge also said it was not clear if the accused was still an Afghan citizen.