Justice Official Criticizes Beauty Contestant
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.”
For the record:
12:00 a.m. Nov. 13, 2003 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday November 13, 2003 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 37 words Type of Material: Correction
Afghan contestant -- A Times news wire report in Sunday’s Section A described Afghan beauty pageant contestant Vida Samadzai as a student at Cal State Fullerton. School officials said she was last enrolled there in fall 2001.
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.
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