World

Jailed Christian Convert in Afghanistan Freed

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan man who was jailed for nine months for converting to Christianity has been released after an intense campaign by international diplomatic missions and Christian activists, an official said Friday.

Sayed Mussa, a 46-year-old father of six, left a Kabul jail earlier this week and was taken to see Afghan prosecutors, who did not have enough evidence to charge him, said Gen. Abdul Qayum Safi, director of the detention center.

Aidan Clay, regional manager for the International Christian Concern, cheered Mussa’s release but said another convert, Shoaib Assadullah, was still in detention in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Assadullah was arrested in October after allegedly giving a copy of a Bible to a friend.

“It has been encouraging to see the international community, including churches, reporters and government officials in Europe and North America work together for the common goal of freeing Sayed,” he said. “Many sleepless nights, prayers and tears have paid off, however, the battle has not yet been won. Shoaib is still imprisoned in northern Afghanistan and fears the death penalty.”

In a Feb. 13 letter, disclosed by International Christian Concern, Mussa said representatives of the U.S. and Italian embassies in Kabul visited him in the detention center and offered him asylum. Mussa wrote that after the foreigners left the room, three Afghan officials told him he would be released within 24 hours if he signed a statement saying he regretted his conversion to Christianity. Mussa refused.

“I laughed and replied ‘I can’t deny my savior’s name,’” Mussa wrote in the letter. “I am 100 percent ready to die.”

The Christian group said they received a call from a U.S. official in Kabul on Monday, confirming that Mussa had been released and was safely out of Afghanistan.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul had no immediate comment on Mussa’s release.

Mussa, a slight man with salt-and-pepper hair and beard, was arrested in late May after an Afghan television station broadcast images of alleged Christian baptisms in Kabul. Proselytizing is illegal in Afghanistan.

A number of Afghan Christians fled the country after the broadcast, but Mussa was arrested before he could get away. His case made it into the news after a group of international Christian activists pressed their governments to push Afghan President Hamid Karzai to release Mussa and the other convert.

Afghanistan is an Islamic state but the country’s constitution is unclear on whether Christian converts are breaking the law. The document says freedom of religion should be protected, but it also states that the ultimate authority in legal matters is the Muslim holy book, the Quran, which condemns conversion.

Mussa recounted his conversion in an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month at the detention center. He was wearing a brown zip-up sweater, gray shalwar kameez and plastic yellow sandals and had a prosthesis on his left leg – the result of a mine explosion 23 years ago when he was a young army officer in southern Afghanistan.

Mussa said his move to Christianity began during the Afghan civil war when the house of his neighbor, a porter with eight children, was bombed.

He saw two foreign women arrive in a white vehicle who were not afraid to search through the rubble despite the presence of armed men nearby.

“Many tried to hide, but the women didn’t,” said Mussa.

He was curious about the women, who were able to find one person alive in the rubble. He later learned they were Christian aid workers who helped Afghans in a clinic.

That prompted Mussa to learn more about the Christian faith. He met a man named Mohammad Hussein, who had recently returned from Iran and was a Christian convert. Mussa pressed him for religious books and other information about Christianity.

In the interview, Mussa said that if he was freed, he would rejoin his wife and children, who are living with a brother in Pakistan.

“I want to have a normal life again,” he said. “Of course I love all my children. And I’d like to see them.”

“I will stay here in Afghanistan and will ask my family to come home,” he said.

—

Associated Press writer Deb Riechmann contributed to this report.

Comments (47)

  • Automan
    Posted on February 26, 2011 at 9:32pm

    do you wonder now why the democrat leadership back muslims…they are (for the most part) on the same side. you know saul alinski realized what side he was on when he dedicated his book “rules for radicals” to lucifer.
    God respects life satan hates what God loves.

    Ecclesiastes movement Ecc 12:13,14 these verses answer the meaning of life and the purpose of life. concentrate on the 10th commandment thou shalt not covet thy neighbors things..wife/husband …….many have a problem with being content with what God has granted them. not all of us can be exceptional some of us are chosen for being plane.

    Report Post » Automan  
  • Paul -Indiana
    Posted on February 26, 2011 at 8:02pm

    Why do Muslims feel so threatened by someone who leaves their cult? I suspect that if there was not a serious penalty the Muslim faith would shrink down to their rabid core.

    Report Post »  
  • MaggieRose
    Posted on February 26, 2011 at 9:50am

    Oh such wonderful news! I hope I have the strength to NOT deny my Lord if/when my time comes here in the USA…

    Report Post »  
  • htaif epoh ytirahc
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:48pm

    .e

    Report Post »  
  • icediva
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:31pm

    Good does overcome evil all in the name of Jesus Christ. OXY MORON Constitution states freedom of religion should be protected but Quran is authority on legal matters and the book condemns conversion. Yea if thats not a warning sign that democracy over there is not and will never be the same as the Wonderful USA.

    Report Post »  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 8:09pm

    What a courageous man. I’m so happy that Sayed Mussa has been released.

    There is so much more we have to do to help all the Christians in this world that are being persecuted and killed in Islamic countries as we speak. They must be free to practice their religion of choice.

    So many Christians have died. Including the four Americans who were executed by Muslim Somali pirates just recently who were delivering Bibles to people all around the world.

    The Churches must be remain active in seeking to protect all Christians.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 3:57pm

    He is one of the few ever released. In lands where the US isn’t present with military force, this islamic violation ends with death. See Coptic Christians in Egypt just last week for more details.

    I have to say that these muslims are earning a big can of whoop-ass for when the Man comes around. I’d be afraid if I were them.

    Everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. Life and death. You do not violate free will when it does not harm another. God doesn’t do that. Christian‘s don’t do that. Jews don’t do that.

    Muslims and Communists do that.

    I’ve read that Hell is eternal. I‘ve heard that it’s very real. The E.R. is a wonderful place for first hand life altering experiences. These muslims had better be sure of what they’re doing. Eternity lasts for a very long time..

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 3:10pm

    Hang in there Sayed Mussa, we are all about to go home soon! Those who persecute will wish they had not, soon.

    Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Are you talking about the Rapture or the Second Coming? I’m meeting the Lord in the air, if I’m still around!

      Report Post »  
  • MotherRedDog
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 2:28pm

    Big bump for Christianity.

    Report Post » MotherRedDog  
  • Mainer forever
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 1:26pm

    The power of prayer can never be underestimated. Don’t ever give up. God answers prayers!!!

    Report Post » Mainer forever  
  • millefiore
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:47pm

    Good for him. A testament to GOD’s supernatural might to protect those who KNOW HIM.
    May the good work our military are doing in those parts of the world bring forth good fruit.
    Prayers for all of them.

    Report Post »  
  • prophecyisfact
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:45pm

    I Bow my knees to Jesus Christ because I want to.
    There is a time coming when EVERYONE will Bow to Jesus Christ because they Have to.
    At the time of His coming, Every knee will bow and Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ
    is LORD. Philippians 2:10-11

    Report Post »  
  • Jon Weideman
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:16pm

    Praise be to the LORD for His wonderful blessings for the human race!

    Report Post » Jon Weideman  
  • messiah
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:10pm

    these women are true christians unlike 99.9 percent of us so called christian americans. God shall see them in heaven. How about you and I? Are we willing to die for his word and the least among us? No matter their nation or religion as Jesus taught? I wish I could wake you people up, but your brains have been washed clean of his message and y/our souls have been utterly soiled again by the rich fools you follow. If Jesus told you how hard it would be to get into heaven while stacking money all your lives, why do you still strive for those fleeting riches? Why do you follow those with money if they are going to hell? grow up and “evolve”. You sheep must herd up and stampede the wolves in sheeps clothing that have been herding you one by one to the slaughter house, even if many of the flock you perish here. It will be worth it if we could never again be fooled by these lieing lions. Man was not meant to be a cannibal and that‘s what we’ve lived and died as for millenia. Time for real hope and change we must believe in or perish in vain for our vanity. shalom

    Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:18pm

      Shalom. May God bless Israel, surround it with his angels and rise up against its enemies.

      Report Post »  
  • bkeely
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:52am

    Prayer changes things!
    ——————
    Buck
    Http://www.***************
    Heirloom seeds “how God plants His garden

    Report Post » TheWatcher  
  • VISITORNUMBER3
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 11:25am

    We take so much for granted here in our country…And when I say “we”, I put myself at the front of the line.

    Report Post » VISITORNUMBER3  
  • ozchambers
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:33am

    “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
    When he finally meets The Lord I’m sure he will hear the words “Well done, faithful servant”

    Report Post » ozchambers  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:14pm

      I‘m humbled by this man’s faith and commitment to the Lord. I bet Jesus cried a proud tear for him.

      Report Post »  
  • truthncharity
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:32am

    Praise God for such strong faith. I’m glad he was released. Continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in jail all over the world.

    Report Post » truthncharity  
  • suzpenn
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:28am

    Score one for the good guys! Geller brought this story to our attention the other day on Atlas Shrugs and provide a link to contact Hillary and Boehner. Like West said in his ‘shoot-out- with that CAIR executive at his townhall. “I fought for the freedoms of Muslims” . . . If you’ll notice there were not any CAIR, MB, Hamas, Hezbollah, Code Pink, Bill Ayers or Hollywood elitists (Danny -Hugo’s my Bro- Glover) Sharpton, or Jesse Jackson speaking up for this man’s life. Hmmmmmmmm, wonder why? Thank you, Pam Geller.

    Report Post » suzpenn  
    • HumbleCitizen
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 1:59pm

      OMG I didn’t think about it until you meantioned it, but you’re RIGHT. Not one single peep from them. Their silence says what is in their hearts.

      Report Post » HumbleCitizen  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:07pm

      No word from the fake Christian in the WH regarding the martyred Christians in Somalia, either.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:27am

    There are not too many stories on here that move me to tears. This one did.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • Showtime
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:21am

    What a happy ending for that man! I was afraid they were going to kill him. They probably would have, if he had signed that statement.

    Report Post » Showtime  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:29am

      He’s still in the middle of Afghanistan, I’m guessing he needs our prayer now more than ever.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 4:11pm

      You’re right, Gonzo. In Muslim countries it doesn‘t really matter whether it’s the govt or the people who kill the Christians — whatever.

      Report Post »  
  • aLinedog
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:20am

    cheers

    Report Post »  
  • tobywil2
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:19am

    Are these the people that are demanding regious tolerance in America? http://commonsense21c.com/

    Report Post » tobywil2  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on February 27, 2011 at 12:16pm

      Of course they are! What ever made you ask???

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:17am

    “Mussa wrote that after the foreigners left the room, three Afghan officials told him he would be released within 24 hours if he signed a statement saying he regretted his conversion to Christianity. Mussa refused.”

    Observe Lefties. Do you ave the courage to die for what you believe in?? Nope.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:25am

      I hope we would all have the strength this man showed in that position. I sure wish he would leave Afghanistan though. He was probably safer in prison.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:50am

      Gonzo,
      “The Christian group said they received a call from a U.S. official in Kabul on Monday, confirming that Mussa had been released and was safely out of Afghanistan”

      He’s out of there, thank God. The lefties haven’t the courage to do anything that may or may not offend anyone, much less do they have the courage to die for their beliefs. They are sheep being led to the slaughter, the only problem I have with that is, they want to drag the rest of us with them.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • rmblount
    Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:16am

    Finally we Christians stick together and get something done. Praise the Lord. How about we do the same in the US.

    Report Post »  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:21am

      That surprises me that he could get released. That is punishable by death under Sharia law. Good job to all those who fought to get this person freed.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the Muslim Brotherhood video

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • Hugie 59 PA
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:25am

      Let’s hope he remains alive and does not become a martyr for the Gospel.

      Report Post »  
    • HairRazor
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:26am

      The right prayer warriors can get the job done.

      Report Post » HairRazor  
    • LimoDavid
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:31am

      You are absolutely correct, RMBLOUNT. How can a majority of Americans claim they are Christian and yet our views are considered heresy by the liberal-slanted/progressive-forcing/ACLU-loving/Pelosi-hugging/Obam-cheering/LGBT-vomit inducing minority? How? Unless we stand together the very ideas and ideals that built this country, and our very civilization, will be thrown on the trash heap of history.

      Report Post »  
    • calebgs83
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:37am

      I can’t take it anymore…what are we doing over there…young Americans continue to sacrifice their lives for nation building in that satanic hellhole.

      Report Post » calebgs83  
    • Creestof
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:41am

      That seems to be one glaring difference between christianity and islam. Our God showed us the “rules”, the “rewards” for following them, and the “penalties” for not following them. He showed us what is right and what is wrong. For anyone without blinders on, he has given us signs and markers to his miracles and existance.

      He then gave us free will and said “It’s all up to you now.” He doesn’t pop up in the easychair across from you when you cheat on your taxes, sword in hand, ready to chop your hand off when you file that false return. He doesn’t set your hair on fire when you swear or take is name in vane. He doesn’t strike us down when we stray from the path he laid out for us. We’ll love him, honor his laws, seek him out, because WE know it’s right…not because we are forced.

      Here comes the peaceful muslims and their islamic religion and their “Believe or die” routine. It boggles the mind that they create any “true” believers…unless there is just no other information, opinions, or options available…or they are just terrorized from birth to stick to the shtick. What a monumental (and horrible) farce.

      Apples to oranges.

      Report Post »  
    • Moocephus
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:44am

      @Hugie– chances are he will be hunted down and killed by a neighbor.

      Report Post » Moocephus  
    • absolutely
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 10:52am

      Just the accusation over there is enough to get you executed. Can’t lob his head off in jail. Now he’s out, he will be dealt with, trust me. Absolutely

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:30pm

      Seems Muslims want freedom to practice their religion here in the US without extending the same freedom to others in other more Muslim countries…..This is no surprise and not out of step with the Qu’ran, the Hadith, The Hadith Kudsi, or the 4 Sunni Muslim schools that most Muslims belong to. It is exactly the central theme of Islam. It was exactly the practice of their warrior founder (he was a military general before he self declared himself a prophet, one his uncle did not even accept) Mohammed and it is what they do today as well. Moderate Muslims that do want to live in peace do so by simply ignoring what the texts., mentioned above, teach about coercion and aggression. Did you know a vast majority of Muslims don’t even know what these writing teach? Since the majority of Muslims in the world are not Arabic but MUST pray in an archaic form of Arabic they don’t even know what the meaning of what they are praying is…….Muslims have been quoted as desiring to get these writings in their native language so that they can actually understand what they are doing. Unbelievable. Trust me when you study Islam like I have you will have a greater appreciation for where they are coming from and I PROMISE it will be a different understanding than what the media portrays. Ironic when our liberal cohorts want to say research something other than GB, but yet hypocritically haven’t more than likely studied much if any about the Islam faith, its origins, it’s history, it’s doctrines, it’s sacred writings and even what those are, or it‘s follower’s teachings.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • Gr8ful1jim
      Posted on February 25, 2011 at 12:31pm

      Count me in.

      Report Post » Gr8ful1jim  

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