Sacrilegious opinion piece being probed

KABUL.

Chairing a high-level meeting on preparations for commemorating Yaum-i-Ashur, the president said the Ministry of Information and Culture was seriously investigating the blasphemous opinion piece.

Last night, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Abdullah directed the ministries concerned to arrest the daily’s staff responsible for publishing the article  “IS and Taliban and Allah.

The article drew strong condemnation from readers, lawmakers, civil society figures. Abdullah stressed respect for religious values as enshrined in the Afghan Constitution.

While apologising for the grave mistake, the newspaper administration said its staff had published the article inadvertently, because the writer had long been a “credible” contributor.

But the president slammed the publication of the opinion piece, saying: “I’m seeking Allah’s forgiveness for the blunder that has been committed.” A probe into the sacrilegious act was ongoing, he added.

Attended by religious scholars and top officials, the meeting discussed preparations for commemorating Yaum-i-Ashur in a peaceful manner. He suggested an inclusive blood donation drive on the day.

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