Freedom To Proselytize
A small number of foreign Christian groups were allowed in the country to provide humanitarian assistance; however, they were forbidden by the Taliban to proselytize. A June 2001 decree stated that proselytizing by non-Muslims was punishable by death or deportation in the case of foreigners. Taliban officials subsequently stated that the decree was only a guideline.
On August 3, 2001 Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer were arrested by the Taliban along with 22 others for their work with Shelter Now, a Christian aid organization based in Germany. The Taliban also seized Bibles and videos and audio tapes from the members of the group. The workers were tried for violating the Taliban prohibition against proselytizing. On November 15, 2001 Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer were freed by Operation Enduring Freedom forces, after the Taliban had fled Kabul.
Read more about this topic: Freedom Of Religion In Afghanistan
Famous quotes containing the words freedom and/or proselytize:
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
—Bible: New Testament, Galatians 5:1.
“We can only proselytize fresh meat, putrid meat begins to have strong convictions of its own.”
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902)