Malala Yousafzai’s suspected attackers arrested

Ten members of the Pakistani Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, suspected of involvement in the 2012 attack on education activist Malala Yousafzai have been arrested.

Human rights defenders promoting the rights of women and girls in Malala’s native Swat, and across Pakistan, remain especially at risk of deadly attacks and other abuse from the Taliban and other groups. This is partly because of the authorities’ continued failure to hold the perpetrators to account.

With the world watching, it is critical that Pakistan seizes this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to human rights, justice and rule of law.

Shot for going to school

At just 14 years old, she was hunted down and shot point blank in the head on her way home from school in the Swat Valley, Pakistan. Her crime? Refusing to give up her education at the demand of the Taliban. 

The brutal attack left the world outraged and Malala in a critical condition – but miraculously, she survived and made an astounding recovery.

Malala’s determination and courage in the face of hatred and oppression continues to inspire people across the globe.

‘By her words and deeds, the brave education rights activist Malala Yousafzai proved that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.’
Mustafa Qadri, Pakistan Researcher at Amnesty