West outcry makes Kabul put Shi'ite law under review

Afghanistan's Justice Ministry said yesterday a law for the country's Shi'ite minority is on hold and under review after provoking an outcry in the West over concerns about women's rights.

Shi'ite Muslims account for some 15 percent of the population of mainly Sunni Muslim Afghanistan and the wide-ranging Shi'ite Personal Status Law aims to enshrine differences between the two sects.

Critics say the law legalizes marital rape, and some lawmakers allege Karzai signed it hastily because he faces a crucial election on Aug 20 and wants to curry favor with Shi'ite voters, who could help swing the contest.