- On Women's Day, I blogged about Mukhtaran Bibi, a Pakistani woman who was gang raped and became a vociferous spokswoman against rape and honor killings, both of which are common in her country. She's opened two schools with money awarded to her in compensation for the rape, raised more money and started a shelter for abused women, and bought a van to be used as an ambulance for the area. I blogged about her story because it was one of hope and courage and strength. Apparently the Pakistani government doesn't agree.
On Thursday, the authorities put Ms. Mukhtaran under house arrest - to stop her from speaking out. In phone conversations in the last few days, she said that when she tried to step outside, police pointed their guns at her. To silence her, the police cut off her land line.
After she had been detained, a court ordered her attackers released, putting her life in jeopardy. That happened on a Friday afternoon, when the courts do not normally operate, and apparently was a warning to Ms. Mukhtaran to shut up. Instead, Ms. Mukhtaran continued her protests by cellphone. But at dawn yesterday the police bustled her off, and there's been no word from her since. Her cellphone doesn't answer.
I really don't know what to say. It is incomprehensible to me that a woman that has done so much good for her community would be treated this way. But then again, its incomprehensible that a woman could be sentenced to gang rape because her brother was accused of wrongdoing. Please, write your representatives and Mr. "W is for women" himself and tell them to stand up for this amazing woman.
UPDATE: Nevermind :o)