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Pakistan: Activist Schoolgirl Shot by Taliban

Thursday, October 11, 2012 11:55 AM

Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old girl who became a symbol of brave Pakistani girls seeking an education, was brutally injured by masked Taliban guerillas on her way to school. Ms.Yousafzi has been described as mature beyond her years, and often spoke about her passion for education. The Taliban thought her views were a propagation of Western culture and, according to a Taliban spokesman, even if the girl survived they would try to kill her again in order to deter other girls from seeking an education.

Ms. Yousafzai became popular for writing her anonymous blog about life in northwestern Pakistan for the BBC and as the main character of documentaries by The New York Times. Soon she became a symbol of the rights of children and was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize and awarded as Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize.

An investigation into the shooting has been initiated and Pakistani officials have offered a reward for information regarding the gunmen.

Compiled from: Walsh, Declain, Taliban Gun Down Girl Who Spoke Up for Rights, The New York Times (published online Oct 9, 2012).

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