This was the sort of thing I kind of feared/expected would come with this sort of concession to the Taliban.
Since the 15 February deal, a hybrid of traditional and Islamic law has been operational in Mingora, the largest city in Swat district. The qazi courts, as they are known, are not operated by the Taliban but by a related political movement. They have a murky legal status because the changes have yet to be signed into law.
Floggings and other physical punishments have not been imposed in Mingora, where some residents have praised the system's efficiency. However, in outlying districts, where government writ has been entirely crushed, a crude form of gun justice prevails.
The woman in the video, named as Chaand and believed to be aged 17, was punished in Matta, a district further up the Swat Valley.
Minallah and other sources said the girl was punished on suspicion of having had an illicit relationship with a married man. She did not receive a trial. "The whole case is based on the suspicions of one neighbour," said Minallah.
She did not receive a trial. Just a public, humiliating, painful display that has nothing to do with justice or dignity. I find it odd that the appearance of impropriety in a woman, or what they call "inappropriate dress" deserves a thrashing, but they sure don't mind standing around and watching a teenager be flogged on her bottom, and I can't help but wonder--
Was it good for them? Did those Taliban talk about the flogging after it was done? I guess they feel a little non-consensual S&M is perfectly ok if it's all in the name of Islamic law, right? I wonder how many of the onlookers felt they had "gotten their justice on", too. It's all a bit like porno for the patriarchs.
It's a disgrace.
No comments:
Post a Comment