The trial of 49 suspects, including 19 police officers, on charges relating to the mob killing of an Afghan woman started in the capital Kabul yesterday.

The opening of the trial was broadcast live on nationwide television. The suspects all face charges relating to the March 19 killing of a 27-year-old woman named Farkhunda. The policemen are charged with neglecting their duties and failing to prevent the assault, although some are suspected of participating as well. Prosecutors have alleged that Farkhunda was beaten to death in an attack sparked by a false accusation that she had burned a copy of the Quran.