From the Globe and Mail editorial:

Visiting Kabul last May, Stephen Harper spoke eloquently of the noble aims behind Canada's mission. "We are not daunted by shadows because we carry the light that defines them -- the light of freedom and democracy, of human rights and the rule of law," the Prime Minister told Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Upon learning of the case of Sayad Parwez Kambaksh, however, some Canadians might reasonably question just how bright that light is shining -- not for lack of effort on the part of Canadian troops, but for a dubious commitment to freedom and democracy on the part of Afghan authorities. ...

NDP Leader Jack Layton has suggested he will ask Parliament to condemn the sentence and call on Mr. Karzai to intervene. That's a good start. But it is ultimately up to Mr. Harper to convey to the Afghan President that if Canada is to continue fighting for Afghans' rights, their own government must do its part as well. No country that would put to death a young man like Mr. Kambaksh can be said to be emerging from the shadows.