Islamic extremists carry out cruel punishments in northern Mali
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Ivan Šimonović, Senior Human Rights Advisor
Islamic extremists controlling the northern part of Mali are carrying out cruel punishments and abusing women, according to a senior United Nations human rights official.
Ivan Šimonović spoke to reporters in New York on Wednesday following a four-day visit to Mali.
He said Islamic militants have imposed a strict interpretation of Sharia law and carrying out drastic punishments for people accused of disobeying their rules.
"We have three cases of public executions. We have eight cases of amputations, a number of cases of flogging. However, it is frightening to hear that lists are being compiled of women who are either pregnant or have children and are not married and we do not know what is going to happen to them."
Duration: 23"
Mr. Šimonović said the number of enforced marriages is increasing and women who are being sold or bought for less than $1,000 are being abused and exchanged between men.
