The Afghan Senate has issued a statement supporting the death sentence imposed on a journalist.
Pervez Kambaksh, 23, was convicted last week of downloading and distributing an article critical of Islam. His trial has been criticised by the UN and international human rights organisations, as well as by journalists in Afghanistan, for failing to meet acceptable standards. Kambaksh did not have legal representation at any stage. The sentence will have to be approved by two further courts and by President Karzai if it is to be carried out.
