AFGHAN-CHARITIES SUSPENDED
Richard Longoria
June 2


2 Christian aid groups suspended in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan authorities have suspended two
Christian foreign aid groups on suspicion of proselytizing in the
strictly Islamic nation.

Mohammad Hashim Mayar, the deputy director of the Afghan
government office that oversees nongovernment organizations, says
U.S.-based Church World Service and Norwegian Church Aid won't be
allowed to operate while the allegations are investigated.

He said a follow-up investigation also would determine whether
other groups were trying to convert Muslims, which is illegal in
Afghanistan and many other Muslim countries.

Church World Service and Norwegian Church Aid both denied
seeking Christian converts and said proselytizing is against their
policy.


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