World  | 

Taliban Gunmen Kill Christian Aid Worker

Afghanistan militants say they were angered by teaching of religion
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 20, 2008 9:34 AM CDT
Taliban Gunmen Kill Christian Aid Worker
Pakistani tribesmen gather for an operation against Islamic militants in a troubled area near Peshawar, Oct 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)

Taliban gunmen killed a Christian aid worker in Kabul today, and the militant group said it targeted the woman because she was spreading her religion. The dual South African-British national worked with handicapped Afghans and was shot by gunmen on a motorbike around 8 am, officials said.  "This woman came to Afghanistan to teach Christianity to the people of Afghanistan," a militant spokesman said. "Our (leaders) issued a decree to kill this woman."

The woman's aid group SERVE—Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprises—identified her as Gayle Williams, 34, in a statement on its Web site. "She was a person who always loved the Afghans and was dedicated to serving those who are disabled," it said. A spokeswoman for SERVE in Kabul, said the group is a Christian organization "but they are definitely not expressing this on purpose. They are here to do NGO (aid) work."

Read These Next
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X