In The Name Of Honour

An account of horror and heroism - an inspiring story of a poor village woman who fought back.

In 2002, Mukhtar Mai was condemned by her village council of Meerwala, East Pakistan to be gang raped in retribution for an 'honour crime' committed by her 12-year-old brother - a crime for which there was never any proof. After the rape, custom dictated that she would kill herself. But Mukhtar Mai defied custom. She took the case to court and fought for justice. The perpetrators were imprisoned, sentenced to death. She was awarded damages by the Pakistani government, which she used to set up schools in Meerwala, despite threats of vengeance from relatives of the perpetrators. And when in March 2005 the death sentences of all six of her aggressors were overturned, the risks for her safety only increased. IN THE NAME OF HONOUR is a sober narrative whose power lies in the courage and strength of purpose Mukhtar Mai has displayed in pitting herself against the tribal justice system, the police, and, at times, the legal system of her country. Her story has prompted an outpouring of solidarity from around the world and Mukhtar Mai has become a source of inspiration for thousands.