The Italian government granted asylum to Rahman after Muslim clerics called for his death. "I say that we are very glad to be able to welcome someone who has been so courageous," Premier Silvio Berlusconi said. Afghan lawmakers debated the issue Wednesday and said Rahman should not be allowed to leave the country. However, they did not take a formal vote on the issue. "We sent a letter and called the Interior Ministry and demanded they not allow Abdul Rahman to leave the country," parliamentary speaker Yunus Qanooni told reporters on behalf of the entire body.