Pakistani villagers order 'revenge rape' of sixteen-year-old girl

A 16-year-old girl has been raped in front of her parents after villagers ordered the revenge attack as punishment for her brother, who sexually assaulted another young girl.

Up to 40 men, including family members on both sides, are believed to have been on the village council, or Jirga, that ordered the rape of a young girl in Multan, Pakistan on July 18, Dawn newspaper reported.

The order came after a villager alleged his sister, between the age of 12 and 14, was raped by their cousin while cutting grass on July 16.

Police said the 16-year-old was dragged before the council and raped in front of her mother and father as punishment for her brother, who is still at large.

Both families involved filed a complaint with local police, despite the 12-year-old's family initially wanting to keep the matter quiet, Dawn newspaper reported.

According to the BBC, medical tests have confirmed both rapes.

Police have arrested up to 20 men believed to have been on the council.

Officers are searching for the remaining members who fled after arrest warrants were issued.

Jirgas were outlawed in Pakistan following a spate of controversial rulings that included "honour killings" and "revenge rapes".