New Afghan code allows husbands to beat wives

Afghanistan’s president has endorsed a “code of conduct” issued by an influential council of clerics that activists say represents a giant step backwards for women’s rights in the country.

Tue, 06 Mar, 2012 - 18:50

Afghanistan’s president has endorsed a “code of conduct” issued by an influential council of clerics that activists say represents a giant step backwards for women’s rights in the country.

President Hamid Karzai endorsed the Ullema Council’s document, which allows husbands to beat wives under certain circumstances and encourages segregation of the sexes.