Karzai backs down over 'abhorrent' marital rape law

President Karzai bowed to international pressure yesterday by promising to amend a new law condoning marital rape and child marriage that provoked violent clashes in the Afghan capital. The Shia Family Law, signed by the Afghan President last month, appeared to reintroduce the draconian policies of the Taleban era, such as a ban on married women leaving their homes without their husbands' permission. The law applies to the 15 per cent of Afghans who are Shia Muslims.