Afghan woman may face charges over pageant

A 23-YEAR-OLD woman, who is the first Afghan in three decades to take part in a beauty pageant, could face prosecution if she returns to her native country, a senior justice official said.

Fazel Ahmad Manawi, deputy head of Afghanistan's Supreme Court, said Vida Samadzai, a college student in California, had betrayed Afghan culture by appearing at the Miss Earth contest in a bikini and may have also broken the law.

"I hope that this lady regrets her actions," Mr Manawi said. He added that Afghan prosecutors may open an investigation, but refused to say what charges Ms Samadzai may face.