Afghan woman killed by mob becomes icon for justice rights

(MENAFN- Arab News) KABUL: Poets musicians actors and activists packed an empty shop in a Kabul mall to commemorate the short life and violent death of a woman who has become a symbol for justice and women's rights in a country that historically elevates warlords and battlefield heroes to national icons.
The name of Farkhunda beaten to death by a frenzied mob apparently in the mistaken belief that she had burned a copy of the Qur'an has become a rallying cry for Afghans hoping the shocking incident will lead to profound changes in Afghanistan.
Activists say the previously unquestioned power of the religious establishment is being challenged for the first time in Afghanistan's modern history. Religious leaders and conservative politicians have been forced by the power of public opinion to apologize for trying to justify Farkhunda's killing.
At least one official has been sacked for saying the woman would have deserved her brutal death if she had indeed burned the Muslim holy book.
At last week's Kabul vigil candlelight illuminated a huge poster of Farkhunda's blood-reddened face as an actor recited Shakespeare's 'Seven Ages of Man' followed by performances of works commemorating her death. Outside documentary filmmaker Diana Saqeb broke down: 'I don't believe in the humanity of this country anymore' she said. 'It has been more than 10 days but still I can't sleep I can't eat. These people are killers no different to the Taleban or Daesh who also kill people in the name of God' Saqeb said referring to an alternative acronym for the Islamic State group.
The rule of law said human rights activist Nader Nadery is in the ascendancy.
'This is a turning point for civil liberties that is real. It will be difficult to return to the former status quo when only self-proclaimed religious leaders held the high moral ground at the expense of justice and the constitution' he said.