Media Coverage of SPA Protest Gathering to Seek Justice for Farkhunda

: Category: Articles; Written by Various Media; Published: Tuesday, 07 July 2015

Afghans protest court ruling in mob killing of woman

Source: AP; July 6, 2015

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Dozens of Afghans have rallied to denounce last week's court ruling that overturned the death sentences for four men convicted for taking part in the mob killing of a woman outside a Kabul shrine in March.

The protesters, mostly members of the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan and women activists, staged Monday's protest outside of the same shrine where Farkhunda Malikzada was killed by mob.

Many carried posters of the slain woman and shouted, "We want justice!"

One of the participants, activist Malalai Joya, said the court decision paves way for the killers to "go free tomorrow and they are all criminals."

The appeal court ruled that three of the men convicted of the murder were instead given 20-year sentences each, and the fourth man was sentenced to 10 years.

Afghan protesters denounce court decision to overturn death sentences in mob killing of woman

Source: Fox News; July 06, 2015

A woman chants slogans during a protest held by the Solidarity Party of Afghanistan for 27 year-old Farkhunda, who was beaten to death by a mob months ago, at the site of the attack in Kabul, Monday, July 6, 2015. More than one hundred gathered to demand justice for the woman who was killed on March 19 outside one of the capital's most famous mosques. (AP Photo/Massoud Hossaini) (The Associated Press)

Protester mot domstolsbeslut i Kabul

Source: Metro; July 06, 2015

Afghan protesters denounce quashing of death sentences for Farkhunda killers

Source: The Guardian; July 06, 2015

Solidarity party members, female activists and others protest outside shrine in Kabul where Farkhunda Malikzada was murdered by mob

People protest against the decision to overturn the death sentences given to four men convicted of killing of Farkhunda Malikzada in Kabul. Photograph: Shah Marai/AFP/Getty Images

Dozens of Afghans have rallied to denounce a court ruling last week that overturned the death sentences for four men convicted of taking part in the mob killing of a woman outside a Kabul shrine in March.

The protesters, mostly members of the Solidarity party of Afghanistan and female activists, staged Monday’s protest outside the shrine where Farkhunda Malikzada was killed. Many carried posters of Farkhunda and shouted: “We want justice”.

One of the participants, activist Malalai Joya, said the court decision paved the way for the killers to go free.

The death of Farkhunda, who was beaten and burned before being thrown in a river, shocked Afghans and prompted demonstrations urging the authorities to protect women from violence. She was attacked in March after being falsely accused of burning a copy of the Qur’an.

Three of the men convicted of the murder were instead given 20-year sentences last Thursday, with a fourth jailed for 10 years. After the ruling, Farkhunda’s brother told BBC Persian TV: “It’s not a court, it’s just a show. The media should have been there, we should been there, the lawyers should have been there.

“It’s a real theatre. The whole world laughs at the judicial system of Afghanistan. Do the judges have families, sisters, mothers – or not? Do they have a heart? We will not accept this decision.”

In all, 49 people stood trial over Farkhunda’s death. Eleven police officers were later sentenced to a year in prison for dereliction of duty. Another eight officers were acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

Afghans protest court ruling in mob killing of woman

Source: The Washington Post; July 06, 2015

Protest in Kabul after court overturns death sentences in mob killing of Farkhunda

Source: Khaama Press; July 06, 2015

A demonstration was organized in capital Kabul today to protest against the court ruling that overturned the death sentences for four men convicted for taking part in the mob killing of Farkhunda over false Quran burning allegation.

Dozens of people including women activists participated in the demonstration which was staged outside the Shah Do Shamshera shrine where the woman was brutally murdered.

The appeal court overturned death sentences for four men by sentencing three of them to 20 years in jail and another one to 10 years in jail.

Malalai Joya was among the several activists who participated in the rally organized by the National Solidarity Party of Afghanistan.

She said the court decision paves the way for the killers to go free while insisting they are all criminals.

At least 48 people including the custodian and the servant of the shrine were arrested by police after investigations revealed the accusations were false and no proof was found to prove the holy Quran was torched.

he 27-year-old Farkhunda was brutally beaten, murdered and her body was set on fire by angry mob after she was accused of burning Quran.

Farkhunda was brutally murdered after she spoke out against the superstitious practices she had witnessed with mullahs selling good-luck charms.

Her brutal murder also sparked several unprecedented protests in Kabul and other major cities of Afghanistan.

Afghans protest court ruling in mob killing of woman

Source: The Telegraph; July 06, 2015