First center for algerian women raped by terrorists opens

The first center for Algerian women raped by terrorists opened Sunday in Algiers, it was officially announced.

According to the Algerian official radio station, the center was dedicated by Algerian Minister of National Solidarity and Families Rabia Mechernine and Culture Minister Zahia Benarous.

No indication was given of the number of women admitted, but the radio report said the women coming from all regions are supervised by physicians and psychologists.

The Algerian culture minister said that taking care of these women, innocent victims, is a commitment taken and honored by the government.

According to an Algerian daily which quoted "a source close to the Interior Ministry," more than 2,000 women were raped by Algerian armed groups in five years, between 1993 and 1998. The fate of 319 kidnapped women is still unknown.

The Algerian authorities have decided to consider the raped women victims of terrorism, a status that entitles them to compensation, medical care and psychologic follow-up.

Last April, the High Islamic Council, the supreme religious authority in Algeria, issued a fatwa (religious decree) that considers these women pure in the eyes of Islam and authorizes abortions for those who fell pregnant.