President Bush led international condemnation of Afghanistan on Wednesday in the case of a Muslim who converted to Christianity and is now facing the death penalty under the country's Islamic laws.

As per Times online, the President criticized the Afghan authorities, saying those liberated countries should require to respect democratic rights. "I am deeply troubled when I hear that a person who may have converted away from Islam may be held accountable," Mr Bush said.

The comments of the President came after the arrest of Abdul Rahman held this month. Under the 2004 Afghan Constitution, Mr Rahman could face the death penalty for an attack on Islam, as per Richard Beeston Diplomatic Editor and Tim Albone in Kabul.

But yesterday it appeared that the case could be dismissed on a technical ground in case Mr Rahman is found mentally unfit to stand the trial.

A relative described the defendant as "silly and like a child". "I am scared because he is my brother and he is not 100 per cent healthy - he has psychological problems."

Britain, Italy and Germany have also spoken out against the Western-backed Government of President Karzai for its failure to stop the prosecution of Mr Rahman.

Kim Howells, Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister, said that he was seeking "urgent clarification" about the case from Afghanistan, where about 5,000 British troops will be deployed this summer.

"Individuals should be able to practice their faith free from persecution. We take every opportunity to urge states to implement laws and practices which foster tolerance and mutual respect," he said.