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IN BRIEF / AFGHANISTAN

Justice Official Criticizes Beauty Contestant
From Times Wire Reports

November 9, 2003 A Cal State Fullerton student who became the first Afghan in three decades to take part in an international beauty pageant could face trial if she returns to her homeland, an official said.

Fazel Ahmad Manawi, deputy head of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, said Vida Samadzai, 23, betrayed Afghan culture by appearing at the Miss Earth contest in a bikini. He said prosecutors might open an investigation, but he wouldn't say what charges she could face. Many citizens have demanded Islamic law, but a draft constitution notes only, "The religion of Afghanistan is the sacred religion of Islam."

Samadzai is to compete in the final round today in Manila. She said she entered to raise awareness of the plight of women in the homeland she left in 1996.

Copyright 2003 Los Angeles Times