US voices concerns over new Afghan law that would limit justice for female abuse victims
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A new draft law in Afghanistan is drawing international outcry amid concerns that it would greatly restrict prosecutions of domestic violence.
A new criminal procedure code would prevent relatives from testifying against alleged abusers, which activists warn would have a chilling effect on domestic violence prosecutions in Afghanistan. Often it is either a relative committing the abuse or the sole witness to the act.
The law is awaiting final signature from Afghan President Hamid Karzai after passing through parliament last month.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Human Rights Watch has urged Karzai not to sign. The European Union called it a "backward step" for women's rights.
The U.S. Embassy in Kabul said in a statement on Thursday that it is "extremely concerned" and has raised those concerns with the Afghan government.