Rape prosecution: ‘CII observation on DNA test defies logic’
The CII gave such urgency to its recommendation as if DNA testing was a great threat to Islam, says Asma Jahangir.
CII's observations on admissibility of DNA evidence shows that its members are either keen to protect rapists or are anti-women, says Asma Jahangir. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Former Supreme Court Bar Association president Asma Jahangir said on Friday the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) observations on admissibility of DNA evidence went to show that its members were either keen to protect rapists or were anti-women.
Council members on Wednesday were reported to have said that DNA tests were not admissible as main evidence in rape cases. They had observed that the tests could, at best, serve as supplementary evidence.
Jahangir said the CII members’ logic was beyond comprehension. She said the council members were refusing to reach out for the truth in rape cases and had given such urgency and prominence to their recommendation as if acceptance of DNA testing was a great threat to Islam.
She said the members had defied logic in undermining forensic reports in cases of rape and paternity disputes.
She said governments should take appointments to the CII seriously and not fill them with “women haters.”
She said interpreting religion was a serious matter and should not be left in the hands of those who made a mockery of their positions.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2013.
Former Supreme Court Bar Association president Asma Jahangir said on Friday the Council of Islamic Ideology’s (CII) observations on admissibility of DNA evidence went to show that its members were either keen to protect rapists or were anti-women.
Council members on Wednesday were reported to have said that DNA tests were not admissible as main evidence in rape cases. They had observed that the tests could, at best, serve as supplementary evidence.
Jahangir said the CII members’ logic was beyond comprehension. She said the council members were refusing to reach out for the truth in rape cases and had given such urgency and prominence to their recommendation as if acceptance of DNA testing was a great threat to Islam.
She said the members had defied logic in undermining forensic reports in cases of rape and paternity disputes.
She said governments should take appointments to the CII seriously and not fill them with “women haters.”
She said interpreting religion was a serious matter and should not be left in the hands of those who made a mockery of their positions.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2013.