Afghan atheist granted asylum in Britain on religious grounds

Lawyers argued man would face persecution for renouncing his faith if he returned to his homeland

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(Image credit: 2006 Getty Images)

AN AFGHAN man who renounced his faith in Islam is believed to have become the first atheist granted asylum in the UK on religious grounds.

Lawyers for the 23-year-old, who has not been named, said he could face a death sentence under sharia law if he returned to his homeland.

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