…because of the peculiar evidence requirements of Islamic law: the victim’s testimony is disallowed, and she must produce four male Muslim witnesses who saw the act. I discuss this evil law and its effects in Islam Unveiled.
“Rapist cop booked under controversial religious law,” from the Indo-Asian News Service via Newz.in, with thanks to Doc Washburn:
A Pakistani policeman charged with raping a teenaged girl in a police station has been charged under a controversial religious law that carries the death penalty – but which could also enable him to walk free.
Sub-inspector Qaiser Shah was booked under Sections 10 and 11 of the Hud Zina Ordinance, which puts the onus on the victim to prove she was raped.
Under this law, the victim has to produce four male Muslims who were witness to the rape. If she fails to prove the allegation, she can be ostracised and even charged with adultery.
Late military dictator Zia-ul Haq had enacted the law in 1979. Successive governments – even the one headed by Benazir Bhutto – have paid lip service to repealing the ordinance but have not done so.
Shah is alleged to have raped 15-year old Saira at the Shahzad town police station here on the night of May 17-18.