Bangladeshi Girl, 14, Dies After 100 Lash Punishment

She was spotted talking to married man

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 4, 2011 2:03 AM CST

(Newser) – A 14-year-old Bangladeshi girl has died after a sentence of 100 cane lashings imposed when a village woman accused the teen of talking to her husband. "What sort of justice is this? My daughter has been beaten to death," sobbed the girl's father. Some media reports said the girl had been raped by the woman's husband. Four men have been arrested in the killing, but police are seeking several others, including villagers who stood by and watched as the girl was beaten. After the wife's testimony, a makeshift court sentenced the girl and the husband to 100 lashings each.

The man was reportedly beaten by his father at home. He's now on the run, reports the Guardian. Such fatwa punishments were outlawed last year. Lawyers for the teen's family are now suing the government, and investigators from a human rights organization are interviewing villagers. "This is an absolutely horrific crime," said a spokeswoman for the group. "Despite court judgments banning punishments in the name of fatwa, an aggressively religious group capable of committing such barbaric crimes of torture against women are still present in our society."

Pakistani women shout during a demonstration to condemn flogging of women. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 32 comments

comentor

Feb 7, 2011 6:10 PM CST

Indeed the cause is much larger in than Fatwa. Note, Mr. Idris- who whipped the girl- is Union Parisad member- is a local elected member. By all likelihood, he is from AL, BNP or independent. The actual problem is poverty and ignorance, extreme economic disparity. Because of these people are not aware of their right. In a way, the entire system is allowing the situation happen and that includes left, right, religious as well as nonreligious ones. If you have time, read a deeper analysis of this tragic case in http://realtimebangladesh.blogspot.com. Some web-sites have picked it up as something against Sariah. But Sharia and Fatwa is already illegal in Bangladesh. The problem is poverty and income differential. Indeed it is a bigger disgrace.

Count-Spatula

Feb 4, 2011 5:28 PM CST

Straight culture is a disgrace in any language.

realtruth

Feb 4, 2011 8:40 AM CST

Get over it.. Their intention was not to kill her.. It was a accident And It is part of their culture.. Extreme punishment is very acceptable worldwide.. Like Abortion (Murder of innocent) is part of ours..

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Bangladeshi Girl, 14, Dies After 100 Lash Punishment

She was spotted talking to married man

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sexism • rape • fatwa • Bangladesh • flogging

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