Stoning in Somalia

News that a 13-year-old girl has been stoned for adultery in Somalia, after reporting that she had been raped, is a chilling and outrageous violation of human rights and Islamic law. CNN reports that Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow was stoned to death last Monday in Kismayo, southern Somalia, after being convicted of adultery by the "Islamic militia" currently in control of the city.

Was Islamic law to blame for this child's torture? Or rather was it a product of the violent, impoverished environment of this particular country, which has been ruled by competing warlords since 1991?

The details of this case are not yet clear, but are being investigated by Amnesty International and others. Islamic law does allow for the death penalty for certain crimes -- including rape. So why was the girl put to death, rather than her attackers? Let's hope the truth comes out soon, and that the children of Somalia be protected from the chaos and anarchy around them.

More on Somalia from About.com:

• Somalia War Has Multiple Players - Guide to Terrorism Issues
• Country Profile of Somalia - Guide to Middle East Issues