WASHINGTON: Christian convert Abdul Rahman has asked to be given asylum, the United Nations said on Monday.
Earlier, a United States State Department spokesman said Afghanistan would free the man who faced the death penalty for converting to Christianity after the West pressed the government for his release.
Rahman was arrested about two weeks ago under Islamic Sharia law which says he should be sentenced to death unless he reverts to Islam.
"Mr Abdul Rahman has asked for asylum outside Afghanistan," said UN spokesman in Kabul, Adrian Edwards.
"We expect that this will provided by one of the countries interested in a peaceful solution to this case."
