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Teens Buried Alive in 'Honor Killings' Spark Pakistan Rage

They wanted to choose their own husbands

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2008 4:59 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Nationwide protests have erupted in Pakistan since three teenage girls were buried alive in mid-July in a remote village because they planned to choose their own husbands, reports the Times of London. The girls—ages 14, 16 and 18—were abducted and tortured, then buried still breathing. Two older women who tried to help them were also buried alive.

Police have arrested six people, including the fathers and some of the brothers of the girls, who were allegedly involved in the murders. But human-rights activists say authorities are protecting a local politician also said to have been involved in the so-called "honor killings." There were 636 honor killings in Pakistan last year, but burying women and children alive is unprecedented.

Pakistani doctor Shamim Mashwani packs remains of honor killing victims for a DNA report at a hospital in Quetaa, Pakistan earlier this week.
Pakistani doctor Shamim Mashwani packs remains of honor killing victims for a DNA report at a hospital in Quetaa, Pakistan earlier this week.   (AP Photo/Arshad Butt)
Pakistani activists perform a skit to portray the recent honor killings in a tribal town, with a banner reading: Stop burying women in the name of honor killing.
Pakistani activists perform a skit to portray the recent "honor killings" in a tribal town, with a banner reading: "Stop burying women in the name of honor killing."   (AP Photo/Pervez Masih)
Pakistan has opened an investigation into the killings of five women after a provincial lawmaker defended their deaths as a centuries-old tradition.
Pakistan has opened an investigation into the killings of five women after a provincial lawmaker defended their deaths as a "centuries-old tradition."   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A Pakistani human rights activist argues with a police officer during a protest outside parliament in Islamabad.
A Pakistani human rights activist argues with a police officer during a protest outside parliament in Islamabad.   (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Pakistani human rights activist demonstrate against the honor killings in Lahore.
Pakistani human rights activist demonstrate against the honor killings in Lahore.   (AP Photo/K.M.Chaudary)
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Honor killings investigation begins
New York Times

National debate in Pakistan over honor killings
Channel 4

 
Taliban • Pakistan • women's rights • arranged marriage • tribal areas • honor killings • Balochistan • buried alive

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