Back in 1985 the National Geographic magazine had, as it’s cover art, perhaps the most iconic magazine cover photo ever.
The photographer never even knew the name of the young girl in the refugee camp, until many years later he found her, older and marked by a hard life.
It seems she’s been living in Pakistan with her family, having obtained residence cards that were not legal. Like so many she was trying to get out of the hellhole that is Afghanistan. But the government has been cracking down on such residents and she’s in danger of jail, although another article says she is now out on bail, her status as a sort of celebrity having done her some good.
I remember that original picture vividly, as I loved the NG magazine and was a long time collector of it. I hope things turn out okay for the family
She got bail this morning. Unsurprising as refusal of bail in cases like hers are exceptional, usually when the Court fears flight risk, which in this case, lets face it, everyone in authority would be delighted if it occurs.
I, being a Pakistani citizen of Afghan descent, think such a crime as hers should be punished severely. Having haunting eyes should not be a ground for mitigation. Fraud and perjury are very serious crimes.
In the last 6 months, on three occasions I have received extra scrutiny for being “possibly an illegal”.
I still hope she and her family come through this well, but I’m glad you put a perspective on this that I hadn’t thought about. It must be a PITA for someone who’s got legal status to be suspected of being not legal.
When Nat Geo did a followup, some 15 years ago (?) she wore a burka (no more visible eyes for the infidels to lust after), and apparently hated America. Just like everyone else in Afghanistan.
Having a good picture taken doesn’t make you a hero, or icon. Just a person.
Yes, she was very literally made into an icon. In the literal sense of the literal word. Her picture became famous, while the human being herself was unimportant.
Here’s the follow up article from 2002. It says she does normally wear a burka (at the time at least), but her husband gave her permission to be photographed without it.
Nothing about hating America though. It said she was a devout Muslim, and she wanted her daughters to get an actual education.