Friday, April 6, 2007

Addis Ababa Acid Attack

A brutal attack against a young woman by a stalker in Addis Ababa has generated strong reactions among Ethiopians. 21-year-old Kamilat Mehdi was walking home from work with her two sisters when the stalker threw sulphuric acid in her face. She is now lying in a hospital disfigured beyond recognition.

According to the BBC report (with picture), attacks like this are rare in Ethiopia; but women's groups say that stalking and sexual harassment are common problems. A United Nations report published late last year said that almost 60% of Ethiopian women were subjected to sexual violence at some point in their lives.

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