Women's Magazine Editor Jailed in Afghanistan

(Kabul, Afghanistan) A religious advisor to President Hamid Karzai complained about alleged blasphemous articles in a women's rights magazine, resulting in the arrest of the editor, 50-year-old Ali Mohaqiq Nasab. Clerics were angered by an article critical of the severity of Islamic punishment for adultery and an article that suggested the abandonment of Islam shouldn't be a crime.

From Reporters Sans Frontieres:

Reporters Without Borders today condemned the detention of Ali Mohaqiq Nasab, the chief editor of the monthly Haqoq-e-Zan (Women's Rights), who was arrested on 1 October on the orders of the Kabul public prosecutor following pressure from conservative leaders. Contrary to legal requirements, the Media Evaluation Commission was not consulted about his arrest.

"While the press is required to respect Afghanistan's official religion, authorities cannot assume the right to arrest those who peacefully express their views about Islam," the press freedom organisation said. "We also regret that the authorities again failed to respect the laws in force concerning press offences."

Pointing out that Nasab poses no danger to Afghanistan's security, Reporters Without Borders called on the public prosecutor's office to release him on bail as soon possible.

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the arrest and called for Mr. Nasab's immediate release. It's not clear how the case will play out, however, pressure needs to be directed to the government of Afghanistan to at least follow its own rules and get the Media Evaluation Commission involved.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.