Pervez appeal 'in open court'

Pervez Kambaksh, the Afghan student sentenced to death for downloading an article about women's rights, has been promised the chance to appeal against his death penalty in an open court, well away from the plotters and extremists accused of hijacking the original proceedings.

Afghanistan's Supreme Court said his appeal would be held in "a very open court" in Kabul, and that he would have every opportunity to select a lawyer.

It was claimed he was originally convicted behind closed doors without proper representation.

Supreme Court Justice Bahauddin Baha said yesterday that the appeal would be heard in Kabul at Mr Kambaksh's request.

Justice Baha, who spent 16 years in America, refused to comment on details of the trial for fear of prejudicing its result. But, speaking to The Independent in Kabul, he said the Supreme Court was paying close attention to the case, which sparked worldwide protests. More than 87,100 people have signed an Independent petition demanding justice for Mr Kambaksh.

If the court of appeal upholds the death penalty the case will go to the Supreme Court. President Hamid Karzai also has the power to pardon the student.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE PERVEZ

The Independent campaign to save the Afghan student Pervez Kambaksh has attracted more than 87,000 signatures. You can still add your voice to the campaign to spare his life. Sign our e-petition at www.independent.co.uk/petition

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