Afghan convert to have mental check - prosecutor

KABUL, Mar 26 (Reuters) A prosecutor preparing the case against an Afghan man who could face the death penalty for converting to Christianity said today the man would undergo an examination to determine his mental state.

''He will undergo a medical examination tomorrow for the reported mental issue,'' said the prosecutor, Zemarai, who uses only one name.

The row over the man, Abdur Rahman, 40, jailed this month for abandoning Islam, threatens to create a rift between Afghanistan and the United States and other Western backers who have been calling for the man's release.

REUTERS DKS KN1901