Members of the Afghan parliament condemned the release of a man who denied Islam, insisting yesterday he should not be allowed to leave the country, as Italy appeared ready to offer him asylum.

Abdur Rahman, 40, was jailed this month for converting to Christianity, and could have faced trial under Islamic sharia law stipulating death as punishment for apostasy.

He was freed from prison on Tuesday after pressure from Western states whose troops helped bring the Afghan government to power.

?The release of Abdur Rahman was contrary to the existing laws of Afghanistan,? Yunus Qanuni, president of the lower house of parliament, told the assembly during an unscheduled debate on the case.

?Abdur Rahman should not flee and should not be allowed to leave Afghanistan ... he should be kept under supervision,? he said.

His whereabouts were being kept secret to ensure his safety, officials said, but there was no indication yesterday he had left the country.

Italian Foreign Minister, Fini, says his country would de glad to offer hospitality to Rahman.

<B>Sayed Salahuddin </B>