International petition to save the life of reporter Sayed Pervez Kambaksh

The following appeared in the latest edition of Freethought Today, official publication of the Freedom From Religion Society:

The Independent (UK) is launching an international petition to save the life of reporter Sayed Pervez Kambaksh, a 23 year old Afghan sentenced to death for "blasphemy" this year by an Afghan court.

Kambaksh is accused of downloading a report from a website saying Muslim fundamentalists who justify the oppression of women have misrepresented the views of the prophet Muhammad. He was arrested and tried by religious judges, allegedly without legal representation.

The Independent is launching a campaign today to secure justice for Mr. Kambaksh. The United Nations, human rights groups, journalists' organizations and western diplomats have urged Mr. Kartzal's government to intervene and free him. But the Afghan Senate passed a motion yesterday confirming the death sentence.

Sign the e-petition at: www.independent.co.uk/petition