Rise 4 Justice in Afghanistan: Malalai Joya & Eve Issue Joint Statement

We are writing to bring to your attention the case of a poor 16-year-old Afghan girl named Shakila, who was raped and murdered on 22 January 2012 by Wahidi Behishti, a warlord member of the provincial council of Bamian province.

We feel strongly that Wahidi Behishti should be prosecuted for this crime to the full extent of Afghan law, however fellow warlords like Sayed Hussain Anwari, Alami Balki and other members of Parliament are defending Wahidi Behishti by creating a story about Shakila’s supposed suicide and falsely accusing Shakila’s brother-in-law of the crime.

Because of the corruption within the judicial system in Afghanistan, powerful forces are conspiring to close the case and rule in favor of Wahidi Behishti despite the meticulous forensic reports, witness testimony and other supporting evidence that Shakila’s family has compiled.

For too long powerful warlords have waged a war against Afghan women.  The international media, human rights organizations and global citizens can no longer standby and allow these crimes to take place with complete impunity.  In the name of justice for the countless Afghan women who have died and continue to be targeted by heinous violence, we urge you to tell and investigate Shakila’s story.

To learn more about the case, please contact the Defense Committee for Malalai Joya at: http://www.malalaijoya.com/

Many thanks in advance for your time and support.

Sincerely,

Eve Ensler                                                            Malalai Joya
Founder, V-Day                                                     Afghan Activist