Beauty prize for Miss Afghanistan
The official judging results haven't been released yet, but it was apparent to seasoned observers that Miss Afghanistan's disappointing performances in the Pole Dancing and Lesbian Shower events ultimately led to her undoing.
Miss Afghanistan Vida Samadzai took home the inaugural prize at the event in Manila even though she failed to make it to the contest's semifinals. Miss Honduras Dania Prince was crowned Miss Earth.
Samadzai, 23, won her award for "symbolizing the newfound confidence, courage and spirit of today's women" and for "representing the victory of women's rights and various social, personal and religious struggles."
But her achievement is unlikely to subdue much of the storm her parading in a bikini caused in her native Afghanistan.
Samadzai -- who left Afghanistan in 1996 to study in the United States -- was condemned for treading the catwalk in a red bikini and may even face prosecution if she returns home.
A senior Afghan justice official said Samadzai had betrayed Afghanistan's Muslim culture and could have even broken the law.
"I hope that this lady regrets her actions," Manawi told The Associated Press, adding that Samadzai may be investigated but declining to say what charges or penalties she could face.
Samadzai's parade in a red bikini is certainly a radical departure from the traditional image of Afghan women.
Something tells me that Samadzai isn't exactly going to be given a red carpet parade through downtown Kabul. Afghans HATE losers....
Of course, given that she has lived in California since 1997, Afghans mullahs likely won't have the opportunity to stone her anytime soon. They'll just have to focus their hatred of women elsewhere.
