Eight years ago the legal system in Afghanistan would not have found merit in the case of an 18 year-old rape victim named Lal Bibi. On November 7, 2012, however, justice was served for one victim thanks to INL-supported initiatives. An Afghan Violence Against Women Unit prosecutor obtained convictions and maximum 16-year sentences against four Afghan Local Police officers for the sexual assault of Lal Bibi. The ruling sent a powerful message to Afghan society and reinforced that Afghan civil society is developing the capacity to provide legal defense as part of a fully functioning justice system. Learn more»
In January, ten Iraqi police officers took part in a study tour which brings Iraqi police officers to police districts across the United States. During their visit, the officers observed different policing practices and community engagement methods. One brave officer even did some of his own community engagement, joining the Maryland State Police Department on a “Polar Bear Plunge” into the Chesapeake Bay to raise money for charity. Learn more»
Assistant Secretary Brownfield recently paid homage to recipients of the Defense of Freedom Medal who were killed while serving on INL-supported missions overseas. Learn more»
