LONDON, April 26: The Amnesty International has condemned the recent killing by stoning of a 29-year-old woman in Afghanistan, saying that ‘discrimination against women’ in that country will continue to have grave consequences until the government takes concrete steps to end it. Last week’s killing is said to be the first case of a stoning to death of a woman for adultery since the toppling of the Taliban.

The 29-year old, known as Amina, was dragged out of her parents’ house in Urgu District, Badakhan province, by her husband and local officials before being publicly stoned to death.

Amina was sentenced to death by a local court and killed within 48 hours.

“The case of Amina demonstrates the failure of the Afghan government to protect, ensure and dispense justice, particularly for women,” said Amnesty International.

“Religious and customary practices cannot be used as an excuse for violating the fundamental human rights of women. The Afghan government has the responsibility of protecting women from violence.—By arrangement with AKI