Malala Yousafzai’s Attackers Arrested, Pakistan Authorities Say

The attackers who nearly killed student activist Malala Yousafzai have been arrested, according to authorities in Pakistan. The young girl was targeted because of her activism in a campaign opposing the Taliban, who deny an education to girls.

Malala was shot by attackers as she rode in a school bus. The incident made international headlines because of its brutal nature and the young age of Yousafzai — who was one of three girls injured in the attack.

Taliban militants claimed responsibility for the 2012 shooting of Malala Yousafzai Malala meets the Obamas (Image via Pete Souza)[/caption]

The gang, which was allegedly led by a furniture store owner, have confessed to another 2012 murder. Authorities claim that had the militants not been arrested, they would have murdered 22 local public figures. The group will be charged with terrorism.

In 2012, Malala Yousafzai was involved in advocacy for women’s education in Pakistan. On October 9, 2012, as the 15-year-old was riding on her school bus, a terrorist boarded the vehicle and asked for her by name. The attacker shot Malala in the head three-times and she remained unconscious and in critical condition for days.

Meanwhile, her case sparked outrage throughout the world, and Malala became an instant celebrity for her bravery at such a young age. Some in the media called Yousafzai “the most famous teenager in the world.”

Malala has won the European Union’s human rights award, the National Youth Peace Prize, and others. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.

After her attack, Malala Yousafzai — who is now 17 — has not returned to Pakistan, because the Taliban has threatened to kill her and her family. She currently lives in England and continues to advocate for Pakistani women’s education and rights.

[Image via JStone / Shutterstock.com]