Protestors call for swift trial of Farkhanda’s killers

PUL-I-KHUMRI/FIROZKOH (Pajhwok): Angry protestors in northern Baghlan province on Wednesday asked the government to observe Farkhanda’s death anniversary regularly, while a woman in western Ghor province named her baby after the 27-year-old victim of a mob attack.

Farkhanda was murdered by a mob last Thursday after she criticised a cleric at a mosque in Kabul for selling amulets. But people, who took part in or witnessed the incident, accused her of burning the Quran — a charge rejected by the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs.

Ministry of Interior (MoI) investigations reveal no copy of the Quran had been found at the site. It said Farkhanda was beaten to death without committing any blasphemous act.

Hundreds of enraged protestors, including religious scholars and civil society activists, rallied in Pul-i-Khumri, the provincial capital, demanding public trial of the perpetrators.

A woman protestor, Sosan Wafa, said: “We will always remember Farkhanda, who was cut in her prime.” She called on the officials to punish those involved in her ruthless killing.

The protestors passed a resolution, urging ulema to declare Farkhanda as martyr and asking the government to commemorate her death anniversary every year.

According to the MoI, 40 people including 20 policemen have been held in connection with the murder. It said that investigation were still underway to unearth more facts.

nh/mud