12 released in Pak rape case

A total of 13 men were captured in 2002 after Mukhtar Mai, then 33, came forward to speak about her ordeal. She said she was raped on orders from a village council, which said it was punishment for her brother8217;s alleged illicit affair with a woman from another family.

In August 2002, six suspects were sentenced to death and the other eight acquitted.

But in March this year, another court overturned the convictions of the five men, and reduced the death sentence of the sixth to life imprisonment, sparking an outcry by human rights groups both in Pakistan and abroad.

Authorities rearrested all 13 men following the court decisions. The man who had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment will remain jailed despite the latest ruling.

Mai said she would appeal the decision. 8212;AP