The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban) have released a communiqué on media activities in Afghanistan. In the statement, the Taliban accuses the Karzai government, referred to as "the Puppet Administration," of impinging upon freedom of the press in Afghanistan. Specifically, the Taliban asserts that the Karzai government "has warned media outlets not to publish or transmit live reports of events without obtaining prior permission.

In case of violation, they have threatened to arrest reporters, seize their equipment and ban the activities of the concerned media outlet in a given area."

NEFA Backgrounder - "Feiz Muhammad: Extremist Ideologue with Influence in the West"

The NEFA Foundation has released the third in a series of backgrounders on extremist ideologues that take a close look at the personalities, doctrine, scope of influence, and methods of communication of some of the most influential purveyors of radical Islamist ideology to English-speaking audiences. As U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies become increasingly concerned about homegrown terrorism at a time when Al-Qaida is actively encouraging American Muslims to commit terrorist acts, understanding the sources of radicalization becomes an essential component of combating the threat.

Fearing conviction, five suspects are said to have tried beating 15- and 21-year-old into dropping charges.

LAHORE, Pakistan, March 18 (Compass Direct News) - Five Muslims allegedly ransacked the house of an impoverished Christian in this capital city of Punjab Province last month and angrily beat his daughters in an effort to get the family to withdraw rape charges.

Muhammad Sajjid armed with a 30-millimeter pistol, Muhammad Sharif brandishing a dagger and Muhammad Wajjad and two unidentified accomplices carrying bamboo clubs arrived at the Lahore home of Piyara Masih the afternoon of Feb. 26, Christian leaders said. The Muslims allegedly ransacked the house and began thrashing his two daughters, a 15-year-old and her 21-year-old sister, Muniran Bibi, according to attorney Azra Shujaat, head of Global Evangelical Ministries, and Khalid Gill, president of the Christian Liberation Front (CLF).

Officials led by provincial governor explain law providing for right to believe.

DUBLIN, March 19 (Compass Direct News) - Officials in Laos' Saravan Province yesterday visited 48 Christians expelled from Katin village and assured them that they had the legal right to embrace the faith of their choice, according to advocacy group Human Rights Watch for Lao Religious Freedom (HRWLRF).

During a 30-minute visit the delegation, led by provincial Gov. Khamboon Duangpanya, read out June 2002's Decree 92 on the Management and Protections of Religious Activity in Laos and explained its religious freedom provisions to the group, assuring them that they could freely believe in Christianity "if their faith was genuine."