Foreign Minister Plassnik is monitoring closely and with great concern the court proceedings against Abdul Rahman in Kabul, who risks the death penalty for converting to another religion: “It is not acceptable that a person should be taken to court and risk the death penalty over a basic human right such as freedom of religion”. The EU Presidency is monitoring the proceedings and will take further steps in the light of developments. “We will leave no stone unturned to protect the fundamental rights of Abdul Rahman and to save his life”, Plassnik said.
Immediately on learning of the case, the Austrian Presidency mandated EU representatives in Kabul to contact the Afghan authorities and initiate further steps by the EU. The EU Presidency is also in close contact with the EU Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Vendrell.
In addition, the deep concern of Austria and the EU was communicated to the Afghan ambassador in Vienna on 22 March. The ambassador was reminded of Afghanistan’s obligations under international human rights conventions and also the Afghan constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion. Austria and the EU therefore expect the judges in this case not merely to apply local law, but also to take account of Afghanistan’s international obligations, as provided for in the Afghan constitution.
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