KABUL, AFGHANISTAN, January 9, 2001 (Web Today)—Jesus never said it would be easy to follow Him.

This is especially true for ex-Muslims in Afghanistan.

Those desiring to cast aside Mohammed and the Koran for any other creed can expect the death penalty in this Taliban-run state.

The fundamentalist Muslim regime imposes harsh restrictions on its citizens, particularly those of the female gender.

No women are allowed to work in this society and education is forbidden to girls past the age of 8.

Women must be covered head to toe in their "tent dresses" known as burqas and bearded men are required to appear at mosques for mandatory prayer sessions.

Although evangelism is forbidden in this seemingly closed society, other faiths are permitted to practice here. However, bookstore owners face jail terms of up to five years if they are caught selling any publication either critical of Islam or descriptive of other religions.

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