Yemen: 13-Year-Old Bride Dies of Bleeding

A human rights group says a 13-year-old Yemeni girl has died of injuries to her genitals four days after a family-arranged marriage. The practice of marrying young girls is widespread in Yemen and has drawn the attention of international rights groups seeking to pressure the government to outlaw child marriages. Legislation that would make it illegal has drawn opposition from some of Yemen's most influential Islamic leaders, leaving it deeply imperiled.

Majed al-Madhaji, spokesman of the Sisters Arab Forum for Human Rights, said Thursday that the 13-year-old from Hajja province, northwest of the capital, died on April 2.

A medical report from al-Thawra hospital said she suffered a tear to her genitals and severe bleeding.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: April 8, 2010