Pakistan jails Malala Yousafzai's attackers

A Pakistani court jailed 10 men for 25 years each on Thursday for involvement in the 2012 shooting of teenage activist Malala Yousafzai, targeted for her campaign against Taliban efforts to deny girls education.

Pakistani Taliban militants claimed responsibility for attacking Malala as she travelled home from school in her home in Swat, northwest of the capital, Islamabad.

"Judge Mohammad Amin Kundi in his verdict gave 25 years jail to all of these people," said a court official in Swat, where the 10 were convicted in an anti-terrorism court.

They were the first convictions for the attack.

Malala was seriously wounded and airlifted to Britain for treatment, where she now lives. Two other schoolgirls were wounded.

Since then, Malala has become a symbol of defiance in the fight against militants operating in ethnic Pashtun areas in northwest Pakistan. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

A security official said none of the four or five men who carried out the attack on Malala was among the 10 men sentenced on Thursday.

"But certainly they had a role in the planning and execution of the assassination attempt on Malala," said a police official in Swat who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Police believe the gunman who shot Malala escaped across the border into Afghanistan.

Several people, including Pakistani Taliban leader Fazlullah, are wanted in connection with the attack on Malala.

Fazlullah, a fiery preacher from Swat, is also believed to be hiding out in eastern Afghanistan.

Malala is unable to return to her homeland because of Taliban threats to kill her and her family members.

related articles
Malala speaks out for Nigerian schoolgirls
Malala speaks out for Nigerian schoolgirls

Malala speaks out for Nigerian schoolgirls

Taliban gunmen who shot Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai arrested
Taliban gunmen who shot Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai arrested

Taliban gunmen who shot Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai arrested

Malala Yousafzai receives Nobel prize, says she hopes to be Prime Minister
Malala Yousafzai receives Nobel prize, says she hopes to be Prime Minister

Malala Yousafzai receives Nobel prize, says she hopes to be Prime Minister

News
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic
US criticises prosecution of pro-life campaigner over silent prayer near abortion clinic

The US State Department has said it is closely monitoring the prosecution of a Christian woman who prayed silently in an abortion clinic buffer zone. 

Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures
Over £900,000 awarded to help UK churches stay open amid growing funding pressures

Hundreds of churches across the UK are receiving vital financial support to remain open and safe, as rising repair costs and shrinking funding streams place historic buildings under increasing strain.

How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year
How to make the most of the quiet period between Christmas and New Year

Make the most of these last days of the year to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with God.

US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians
US carries out strikes on Islamic State in Nigeria over violence against Christians

The US military has conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in Nigeria over the violent "targeting" of Christians.