Protesters in Kabul demand justice for Farkhunda

A large number of civil activists, Afghans and defending institutions of women’s rights have protested in Kabul to demand justice for 27-year-old Farkhunda who was killed by a mob outside one of the capital’s most famous mosques, after falsely being accused of burning a Quran.

The Demonstrators emphasized that those responsible for death of Farkhunda were supported by senior government officials and urged authorities to prosecute them.

“This is a crime against this family, a crime against a sister and a crime against humanity,” said Bari Salam, a human rights activist.

Farkhunda was killed late Thursday by a mob of mostly men who beat her, set her body on fire and then threw it into the Kabul River, according to police accounts. Police are still investigating what prompted the mob assault.

She was buried and laid to rest by women amid a huge public outcry on Sunday. Her funeral drew hundreds onto the streets of Kabul.

The crowd on Monday, shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest), demanded the government bring the killers to justice.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned Farkhunda’s killing as a “heinous attack” and ordered an investigation.

Officials said that 13 people have been arrested, and 13 policemen based in the area of the mosque have been suspended amid allegations they stood by and did nothing to stop the attack.

Farkhunda was buried in Panjsaad Famili area of Kabul on Sunday and her coffined body was accompanied by hundreds of Kabul residents, family members, civil society activist and governmental officials.
Reported by Fawad Naseri