Rape getting a public airing in Afghanistan

Shamed into fleeing the country
If the rapists continue to escape punishment, it could push a region to reconsider the liberties given to women since the fall of the Taliban regime. Even Khan suggested that the easing of Taliban-era restrictions that kept women at home might be making girls easier prey.

“These days all these young girls are going to school, and coming out of their houses. These criminals chase after them,” he said. “When these criminals come, they commit rape as well.”

Jafery says he’s lost confidence in the system because while the lawmaker’s son has been arrested, he is being tried as a juvenile after producing papers showing his age as 16. Jafery says the man is in his early 20s.

Another family that went public with a rape last year has since been shamed into fleeing the country, according to Hakim of the women’s rights group. And in another northern province, Kunduz, police say a man arrested for allegedly raping a 9-year-old girl escaped last week after three days in jail. He had not been tried.

But Khan says he will wait for Karzai. He had to talk his sister’s family out of collective suicide, persuading them to travel to Kabul to demand government action.

“This is like a revolt against the warlords by my family,” he said.

More from msnbc.com Sluggish new home sales show rocky recovery Now boarding: Flight 1225 to North Pole Racist webcam? TheGrio's test says no Kim Peek, a man who inspired more than ‘Rain Man’ Answer Desk: Gold may be riskier than it seems

MORE FROM SOUTH & CENTRAL ASIA

South & Central Asia Section Front

Pakistan Taliban ‘helping’ beef up Afghan fight Suicide attack on Pakistan press club kills 3 Court orders 2 men’s noses, ears amputated Karzai orders investigation into cousin's slaying U.S., Taliban compete for Afghan towns South & Central Asia Section Front   Add South & Central Asia headlines to your news reader: