Teens Buried Alive in 'Honor Killings' Spark Pakistan Rage

Nationwide protests have erupted in Pakistan since three teenage girls were buried alive in mid-July in a remote village because they planned to choose their own husbands, reports the Times of London. The girls—ages 14, 16 and 18—were abducted and tortured, then buried still breathing. Two older women who tried to help them were also buried alive.

Police have arrested six people, including the fathers and some of the brothers of the girls, who were allegedly involved in the murders. But human-rights activists say authorities are protecting a local politician also said to have been involved in the so-called "honor killings." There were 636 honor killings in Pakistan last year, but burying women and children alive is unprecedented. (More Pakistan stories.)