WASHINGTON- The United States today condemned the "heinous" killing of a pregnant woman beaten to death outside Lahore High Court, and called for her murderers to be swiftly tried.
"We strongly condemn the murder of a woman outside the Lahore High Court on Tuesday," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. "We hope the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice in accordance with Pakistan's law," she told reporters.
Farzana Parveen was murdered in Lahore by brick-wielding attackers, including her brother and father, for marrying against her family's wishes while police stood by. Psaki denounced "unjustifiable acts" against women around the world, especially "violence that occurs in the name of tradition and honor, such as so-called honor killings."
She welcomed statements by Pakistani leaders denouncing Parveen's murder as well as new legislation protecting women s rights in the country. "We encourage the full implementation of such laws as well as greater public awareness about these laws, especially in Pakistan's rural and tribal areas," Psaki added.