Image of disfigured Afghan woman wins photo prize

AMSTERDAM -- A South African photographer's portrait of an Afghan woman whose husband sliced off her nose and ears in a case of Taliban-administered justice has won the World Press Photo award for 2010, one of photojournalism's most coveted prizes.

Jodi Beiber's posed picture, which contrasts the woman's arresting beauty against the results of the violence done to her after she fled an abusive marriage, was published on the cover of Time magazine Aug. 1.

Beiber is affiliated with the Institute for Artist Management/Goodman Gallery.

Jury members said Friday that the photo, though shocking, was chosen because it addresses violence against women with a dignified image.

The woman, 18-year-old Bibi Aisha, was rescued by the U.S. military and now lives in America.