KABUL, Afghanistan, July 2 (UPI) -- An Afghan appeals court Wednesday shortened the sentences for the perpetrators of the brutal murder of a woman in the capital city of Kabul.
Wrongfully accused of burning a copy of the Qur'an, Farkhunda Malikzada was stoned to death, immolated at an Islamic shrine and thrown into the Kabul River in March by at least four convicted murderers.
Initially given life sentences in May, Kabul Appeals Court judge Abdul Nasir Murid said the sentences were reduced to 20 years for three of the men, with a fourth criminal sentenced for only 10 years.
The decision was made during a secret trial Wednesday that did not include the media or lawyers. The custodian of the shrine, Omran, was also acquitted after having initially been sentenced to 16 years in prison for being largely responsible for Malikzada's false accusation. Eleven out of 19 police officers were sentenced to a year in prison, with the other eight being acquitted due to lack of evidence.
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The sentences were viewed as too lenient by individuals who hoped the ruling would feature the government making progress in the defense of women's rights. However, it has come to epitomize the very lack of legal protection for Afghan women. Additionally, suspicions of some perpetrators being sheltered by relatives connected to the government have arisen.
The murder sparked a massive protest in March, with thousands of people marching through Kabul, wearing masks to resemble Malikzada's bloody face and demanding justice and death for the murderers. The protest also sought action against religious leaders who believed burning pages of the Qur'an is an act punishable by death.
