Afghan parliament demands Christian convert not be allowed to leave country News
Afghan parliament demands Christian convert not be allowed to leave country

[JURIST] Afghanistan's parliament on Wednesday demanded that government officials block Abdul Rahman [Wikipedia profile], the Afghan man who faced the death penalty [JURIST report] for converting from Islam to Christianity, from seeking asylum in another country. Parliamentary speaker Yunus Qanooni told reporters that a letter was sent to the Interior Ministry on behalf of the entire parliament demanding Rahman not be allowed to leave Afghanistan. Rahman was released from prison [JURIST report] earlier after questions about his mental health were raised and he is believed to still be in country.

Also Wednesday, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi said that Italy would offer asylum to Rahman [AP report]. Berlusconi's comments came before a cabinet meeting where the government was expected to vote to grant Rahman asylum. Reuters has more.

10:50 AM ET – An official from the Italian embassy in Kabul said Wednesday that Rahman has left Afghanistan and is expected to arrive in Italy by Wednesday evening. BBC News has more.

3/30/06 9:18 AM ET – Berlusconi has confirmed that Rahman received asylum in Italy late Wednesday evening and Italy's Interior Ministry has said that Rahman is "under protection." AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Congress passed legislation establishing post-WWII national security structure

On July 25, 1947, the National Security Act of 1947 was passed, establishing a linkage between the military and national security, and setting up the National Security Council (NSC), the CIA, the Department of Defense, and several other new agencies, including the National Military Establishment with three separate departments (the Army, the Navy and the new US Air Force), and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Learn more about the National Security Act of 1947.

Brunswick Manifesto proclaimed

On July 25, 1792, the Brunswick Manifesto was proclaimed by Charles William Ferdinand, the Duke of Brunswick during the French Revolutionary Wars. As leader of the forces allied against France, Ferdinand promised retribution against the citizens of Paris if the French Royal Family was harmed. Instead, the Manifesto further inflamed anti-royal sentiment in Paris.