Afghani May Be Executed for Switching to Sprint

KABUL - Afghan clerics are calling for the death of a local businessman for changing his long distance carrier, and demanding that the government resist international pressure for a stay of execution.

Ibrahim Hassan has been charged with ending his IT consulting firm's covenant with Afghan Telecom and converting to Sprint over a decade ago. His trial has brought out contradictions in Afghanistan's constitution, which promises both the supremacy of Islam and the freedom to choose a calling plan that best suits one's business needs.

"Afghan Telecom does not have any obligation under international laws," AT Customer Service Representative Rahmat al-Habib told worshippers in Kabul. "His contract clearly states that, if he changes providers, he must be killed. He should have paid attention to the fine print."

At a preliminary hearing last week, Hassan acknowledged that he had converted to Sprint during a telemarketing call in 1995.

"My administrative assistant usually screens sales calls," he confessed. "[I] have to admit, though, their Ten-Afghanis-a-Minute Plan made perfect sense for my business at the time."

President Bush, European leaders and telecommunications CEO's around the world have requested Afghan President Hamid Karzai intervene in the case.

Calls to Karzai for comment were unable to be completed as dialed.