The US and EU are calling for an immediate investigation into the “shocking” claims of sexual harassment and rape of Afghan policewomen. It follows a BBC investigation which revealed female officers faced widespread abuse by their colleagues. A number of women told the BBC they were too scared to report the attacks, which were often by their superiors. The Afghan government says it is committed to change, but rights groups say perpetrators are rarely punished. “Afghan women who choose to serve their country as police officers are courageous patriots,” Ambassador Ross Wilson, the US Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan, said in a statement. “They face formidable cultural, social, political and security barriers, and we and all Afghans should honour and support their service. These reports are shocking, and we urge their prompt investigation by Afghan authorities.“(BBC)…[+]