Given all the interest among the bloggers in the Mukhtar Mai/Bibi case, I thought you might all like to see this:
Rape ruling in Pakistan suspended
An Islamic court in Pakistan has suspended a High Court ruling that acquitted five men in a high-profile rape case. The Islamic - or Sharia - judges ordered the rape victim, Mukhtar Mai, and all the defendants in the case to attend a new hearing. A tribal council allegedly ordered the rape in February 2002 as punishment for a crime attributed to Ms Mai's brother. Rights groups had expressed shock at last week's acquittals.
Rest of the story (BBC News)
Thanks for that sidi Yusuf. The BBC article also reported:
"But legislation does allow the Sharia court to hear any criminal case that falls under Islamic laws called the Hudood laws. These cases include rape and adultery.
The Sharia court argues Ms Mai's case should have been tried under Hudood laws and not anti-terrorist legislation. "
It's kind of interesting that the anti-terrorist legislation has failed, as it will in this country, and the Sharia courts have to come in and save the day.
Thanks for that sidi Yusuf. The BBC article also reported:
"But legislation does allow the Sharia court to hear any criminal case that falls under Islamic laws called the Hudood laws. These cases include rape and adultery.
The Sharia court argues Ms Mai's case should have been tried under Hudood laws and not anti-terrorist legislation. "
It's kind of interesting that the anti-terrorist legislation has failed, as it will in this country, and the Sharia courts have to come in and save the day.
Yeah ... what on earth does it have to do with terrorism, anyway? It just goes to show how dangerous these laws can be, as they can be used whenever politicians find it convenient.
Yeah ... what on earth does it have to do with terrorism, anyway? It just goes to show how dangerous these laws can be, as they can be used whenever politicians find it convenient.
Stretching the definition of what they probably meant by terror... terror against women. But I hope this is a positive step for Mukhtar Mai, and the nation.
Stretching the definition of what they probably meant by terror... terror against women. But I hope this is a positive step for Mukhtar Mai, and the nation.
Insha'Allah wouldn't it be a good victory not only for Mukhtar Mai - may she receive justice - but also to vindicate shari`a courts in the 'eyes' of the non-Muslim world.
Insha'Allah wouldn't it be a good victory not only for Mukhtar Mai - may she receive justice - but also to vindicate shari`a courts in the 'eyes' of the non-Muslim world.