Help Ensure Justice for Mukhtar Mai

Date Issued: March 2, 2009

In 2002, Mukhtar Mai was gang-raped on orders of a traditional village council as punishment for acts allegedly committed by her younger brother. Rather than retreat into silence or commit suicide (the expected response when dishonor is brought to a family), Mukhtar Mai testified against the perpetrators.  She used the compensation money she later received to build schools and a shelter for abused women.

The criminal case against those responsible for ordering or carrying out the crime, which has been before the Supreme Court since 2005, is scheduled for a hearing on March 4. 

There have been reports of outside political interference in Mukhtar Mai's case, such as pressure from a Federal Minister to drop the charges.  Mukhtar Mai and many of her colleagues must regularly contend with harassment and pressure, including by the government, and serious threats to their lives. 

Please urge the Pakistani authorities to ensure the independence of the judiciary in this important case.

Background

For more information on this case, read a BBC timeline

Sample Letter:

Dear President Zardari:

I am writing to express my deep concern about the case of Mukhtar Mai, a human rights defender who has increased international attention to abuses against women and provided education for boys and girls in her home village of Meerwala.

I understand that Mukhtar Mai's case, which had been "adjourned indefinitely" on February 11, has been scheduled for a hearing on March 4 before the Supreme Court.

On December 11, 2008, a Federal Minister named Sardar Abdul Qayyum Jatoi reportedly telephoned Mukhtar Mai's uncle in an effort to put pressure on Mukhtar Mai to drop the charges against her perpetrators. I am writing to ask that you ensure the judiciary maintains its independence in the face of alleged political pressure.

Mukhtar Mai and many of her colleagues must regularly contend with harassment and pressure, including serious threats to their lives. The Minister's interference indicates the continued political influence that the defendants are able to exert in this situation.

I urge you to ensure that Mukhtar Mai's case is free of political pressure. In addition, we ask that you take all necessary measures to ensure her security before, during and after the hearing. Lastly, I request that you investigate any reports of Minister Jatoi's interference in this case, and take appropriate action.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,