Asia-Pacific News
Malaysia detains nine Christians allegedly on conversion mission
Jul 15, 2009, 6:56 GMT
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian police have detained nine Christians accused of attempting to convert Muslims at a local university, a news report quoted their lawyer as saying Wednesday.
The nine students claimed they were visiting friends at the university in the central Selangor state when they were stopped by police, Annou Xavier told the Malaysian Insider news portal.
Annou said the students, who have denied allegations they were attempting to evangelise to Muslims, said authorities claimed a police report had been lodged against them.
The students are now being held at a police station, he said.
Attempting to convert a Muslim to another religion is a serious crime in predominantly Muslim Malaysia. Those found guilty face prison terms, while Muslims are not penalised for converting people from other beliefs.
Malaysia's constitution guarantees freedom of worship but says all ethnic Malays are Muslim. Under Sharia law, Muslims are not allowed to convert.
COMMENT
blog comments powered by DisqusLatest Headlines in Asia-Pacific
- 1. Chinese dissidents hail late democracy activist Fang Lizhi
- 2. China "worried" over planned North Korea rocket launch
- 3. Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Karen rebels
- 4. Chinese schoolboy sells kidney to buy iPad, iPhone
- 5. Myanmar president invites Karen rebels to form party
Older Talkback
