Pakistani Court Sentences Two Men to Death for Gang Rape of French Woman

<p>A court in Pakistan has sentenced two men to death following their conviction for the gang rape of a French woman on September 9, 2020. The verdict was issued despite the fact that France abolished capital punishment 45 years ago.</p><p>Abid Malhi and Shafqat Ali were found guilty of gang rape, kidnapping, robbery, and terrorism in March 2021 after assaulting the woman at gunpoint on the Sialkot-Lahore highway. The woman, who has dual nationality and remains unnamed, was traveling with her three children when the incident occurred.</p><p>After the assault, the men stole money, jewelry, and bank cards from the victim. Both suspects were arrested shortly after the incident, with their DNA matching evidence collected at the crime scene.</p><p>The case gained significant attention on social media in Pakistan, leading to public outcry and demands for the death penalty for the perpetrators. Controversial comments made by a police officer, suggesting the victim bore some responsibility for being on a less busy road at night, sparked protests across the country.</p><p>Elon Musk also commented on the case, expressing support for the death penalty ruling. The men appealed their sentences in 2021, but their appeal was denied on June 4, 2026. They are now awaiting execution, although a potential Supreme Court appeal could delay the process, as the average time spent on death row in Pakistan is approximately 11 years, according to a report from Yale Law School.</p>