11 Afghan policemen jailed over lynching of woman

 Eleven Afghan policemen were on Tuesday sentenced to a year in prison for recklessness in protecting a woman who was lynched by a mob after being accused of blasphemy.

The primary court in Kabul sentenced 11 policemen to one year in jail, Khaama press reported.

Earlier, 49 people, including 19 policemen, were arrested but some of them were set free for lack of evidence.

On May 6, four civilians were sentenced to death and eight others sent to jail for 16 years after the court found them guilty of lynching the woman.

Farkhunda was lynched, run over by a car and her body was set on fire on March 19, after she was wrongfully accused of burning a copy of the holy Quran in Shah Do Shamshera shrine in capital Kabul.

Following a landmark fast track trial, it was proven that Farkhunda did not indulge in any desecration to the Quran and the allegation was made against her by a person who was selling charms in the shrine as she spoke out against his superstitious practices.

The incident evoked worldwide condemnation and prompted strong protests across the country. - IANS