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Honour: Achieving Justice For Banaz Mahmod

Blake Kennedy

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Banaz Mahmod was a 20-year-old Iraqi-Kurdish woman who was murdered in a so-called "honour killing" in 2006. Her case shocked the UK and sparked a national debate about the issue of honour-based violence.

Banaz was born in Iraq in 1985. Her family moved to the UK when she was 10 years old. She was a bright and ambitious young woman, and she had dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, her family was deeply conservative, and they did not approve of her lifestyle.

Honour: Achieving Justice for Banaz Mahmod

by Caroline Goode

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In 2003, Banaz was forced to marry a man she did not know. She was 17 years old at the time. The marriage was a disaster, and Banaz was subjected to physical and psychological abuse. She eventually left her husband and moved into a refuge.

Banaz's family was furious that she had left her husband. They threatened to kill her if she did not return to him. Banaz was terrified for her life, but she refused to go back to her husband.

On January 25, 2006, Banaz was murdered. She was strangled and her body was dumped in a suitcase. Her uncle, Mahmod Mahmod, and her father, Mahmod Babakir Mahmod, were convicted of her murder. They were both sentenced to life in prison.

Banaz's murder sparked a national debate about the issue of honour-based violence. The government introduced new laws to tackle the problem, and the police and other agencies were given more training on how to deal with cases of honour-based violence.

Banaz's case also raised awareness of the issue of forced marriage. The government introduced new laws to make it illegal to force someone to marry against their will. The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007

came into force in 2008.

Banaz's death was a tragedy, but her case has helped to bring about important changes in the UK. The laws that were introduced in the wake of her murder have made it harder for perpetrators of honour-based violence to escape justice. The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 has also helped to protect vulnerable people from being forced into marriage against their will.

Banaz's case is a reminder that honour-based violence is a serious problem in the UK. It is a form of violence that is motivated by a desire to control and punish women. It can take many forms, including physical abuse, psychological abuse, forced marriage, and murder.

If you are concerned that someone you know is at risk of honour-based violence, there are a number of things you can do. You can:

Talk to the person and let them know that you are there for them.
Contact the police or another agency that can help.
Support services are also available to help people who are at risk of honour-based violence.

Honour-based violence is a complex issue, but it is one that we can all help to tackle. By raising awareness of the issue and by supporting victims and survivors, we can help to create a world where everyone is safe from this type of violence.