KABUL -  A global rights groups on Tuesday asked President Hamid Karzai not to sign a new criminal procedure code denying women protection from domestic violence and forced or child marriage.

Approved by both houses of parliament, the proposed measure is expected to be sent to the president for final signature into law within weeks, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

If signed, the law will bar judicial authorities from questioning the relatives of a criminal defendant, effectively silencing victims of domestic violence and forced or child marriage and their family members who have witnessed abuse.

HRW Asia Director Brad Adams said: “President Karzai should reject the law that will effectively let batterers of women and girls off the hook. Should this law go into effect, Afghan women and girls will be deprived of legal protection from relatives who assault, forcibly marry, or even sell them.” (Pajhwok)