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Pakistan rape: Amnesty International criticises country's criminal justice system, lends support to protestors

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 14 Sep 2020, 06:47 am Print

Pakistan rape: Amnesty International criticises country's criminal justice system, lends support to protestors

Photo: twitter.com/nakhreyamari

London: Global human rights watchdog Amnesty International has come down hard on the Pakistani judicial system while supporting protestors demanding better safety for women in the country, after a woman was dragged from her broken down car and raped at gunpoint by miscreants.

The incident took place in central Punjab province on Wednesday night.

According to reports, the victim- in her early 30s- was driving outside Lahore city with her two children when her car ran out of fuel.

She phoned law enforcement officers for help, but was approached by two miscreants who dragged her out at gunpoint and raped her in a field, before police could arrive.

The woman has also accused the suspects of stealing jewellery and cash before fleeing the spot.

Meanwhile, protests broke out after the lead police investigator, Omar Sheikh, hinted that it was the woman's fault.

Reports said Sheikh said the victim should have travelled on a busier road during the day and checked the fuel before starting out.

People took to the streets in Islamabad demanding the sacking of Sheikh.

Backing the protestors, Amnesty said, "There have been too many victims and too few convictions of perpetrators in a criminal justice system characterized by impunity."

"Amnesty International stands with the protestors who are demanding the right to be safe and free from violent attacks against women," it said in a tweet.