Today Malala Yousafzai was released from a British hospital and will continue her recovery at a temporary home there. The Pakistani teen became a symbol of courage after she defied the Taliban and promoted education for girls.
In 2011, when asked why she risks her life, she told CNN’s Reza Sayah, "I shall raise my voice...I have rights. I have the right of education. I have the right to play. I have the right to sing. I have the right to talk. I have the right to go to market. I have the right to speak up."
For speaking out, the Taliban ambushed a van transporting Malala and her classmates home from school in October and tried to assassinate her. The attack was brutal, but didn’t prove fatal. She was taken to England to receive medical care and protection from the Islamic extremists who threatened to come after her again.
While the nurses and doctors worked to save Malala from her life-threatening injuries, supporters all over the world protested against the Taliban and demanded justice.
The video of her hugging the nurses and walking out of the hospital today shows a remarkable change from the condition she was in three months ago. In the next few weeks Malala will return for cranial reconstructive surgery. Her recovery, which her father has called a miracle, is a symbol of hope and triumph against oppression.
Watch AC360 at 8 and 10 p.m. ET for more details on Malala’s medical treatment and the efforts to keep her safe.
UPDATE Watch tonight's report: