An anti-Taliban oppression protest has been arranged for Saturday, by the Muslim Education Council of Oxford led by the courageous and much loved Imam Dr Taj Hargey a long-term friend of the British Asian Christian Association, who has collaborated with us on many of our protests.
Hannah Chowdhry (17 yrs) a spokesperson for the British Asian Christian Association, will be speaking at the event and will be desire for women in Afghanistan to share the same freedoms as women her in the UK. She will also be calling for protection of the thousands of Christians of Afghanistan who live in fear and anxiety, knowing full well that their faith is anathema to Taliban leaders who adhere to a very fundamental ideology. Hannah will be calling for Britain to provide automatic qualification for asylum to any proven Christians from Afghanistan.
Hannah Chowdhry, said:
“I feel compelled to challenge for gender parity in Afghanistan.
“Many young women had hoped for much brighter futures under the improved freedoms of the previous regime.
“Their dreams have been destroyed by the swift capitulation of Afghan forces to the Taliban.
“During their previous rule the Taliban introduced restrictions included banning women from education and keeping all women, except for doctors, from working.
“Under their rule, anyone who did not follow their strict guidelines could be jailed or beaten publicly.
“Already restrictions on women are being introduced, not at the same severity as before, but I am not convinced Taliban ideological beliefs allow for women’s rights.”
She added:
“We are aware that Afghan Christians are much larger in number then ever emboldened by the presence of Allied Forces for the last 20 years.
“They are in hiding some have destroyed their old phones fearful of being recognised as Christians, as they remember the executions and floggings of the previous Taliban regime.
“Afghan churches were held in homes but most have shared their faith with other citizens and now fear being identified and killed.
“Some have even added their faith to their identity cards not realising that the west would betray them, they are most at risk.
“Even worse, though some would like to seek asylum abroad, very few hold passports and those that do would not be willing to take the dicey journey to reach another ‘safer’ nation.”
British Asian Christian Association, is concerned that few of the bordering countries are offering asylum to Afghan Asylum seekers. Tajikistan is offering 100,000 asylum seekers safe haven but they have their own problems with Islamists as do the other neighbours. Read more in our previous article (here)
We are concerned that no countries in the west are offering asylum to Christians and other minorities without a passport this could be a death sentence, as they most likely will not be safe in any of the neighbouring nations.
We are very aware that hardliners under the previous US backed regime wanted to lynch Abdul Rahman a convert to Christianity back in 2006 (click here). Under the previous regime he escaped death through the efforts of international dialogue, the Taliban have already insisted that foreign nations will have no influence on their decision making. The majority of current Afghan Christians are converts and when found we fear a return of mass executions.
The BBC has reported singers are leaving Afghanistan as one has been shot dead and others threatened after the Taliban banned music and singing. Worship is intrinsic to the Christian faith, moreover Christians are more vehemently hated than singers by the Talban. The future of Christianity in Afghanistan looks bleak.
We call on people of good conscience to join the protest on Saturday and share further details.
Event: Anti-Taliban Oppression Protest
Time: 10am – 3pm
Date: 18th September 2021
Venue: 10 Downing Street. London, SW1A 2AA.
Imam Dr Taj Hargey, sent us the following press release:
“In common with many British Muslims, MECO (Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford) – a progressive and forward-looking community organisation – is horrified by the undemocratic seizure of power by religious militants in Afghanistan.
“Like the majority of right-minded UK Muslims, we fiercely oppose the Taliban’s cruel suppression of women and girls, the persecution of the Shi’ah minority and the targeting of dissidents.
“The Taliban’s triumphalist fanatics are imposing their warped brand and deranged version of Islam upon the long-suffering Afghan population.
“But these theological zealots must be resisted and exposed for their bizarre non-Qur’anic decrees, while concurrently UK Muslims also need to firmly express their global solidarity with the oppressed people of Afghanistan.
“For these compelling reasons, MECO is taking the hugely unprecedented step of organising a public protest against Taliban tyranny.
“This timely Muslim-led initiative is evidence that not all the followers of Islam are resigned to Taliban fanaticism.
“It is high time that British Muslims are more visible and vocal in their repudiation of all forms of religious extremism.”
British Asian Christian Association, continues to be the most outspoken voice for Asian Christians. We share reports with Government and academic institutions and are often the first to meet with victims of Christian persecution in the South Asian region. Our work is impossible to fund without the kind donations of our supporters. If you have been moved by this story or the many other real-life accounts we have shared on our blogsite and want to do something to help then please donate (here) or get in touch with us on admin@britishpakistanichristians.org to offer what other assistance you can offer.
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