Nothing Honourable About This Killing

Nine “honour killings” occurred in the West Bank last year, along with 20 in Jordan. Women are murdered to save the honour of their family, while the idea of treating men the same way is unthinkable.

Palestinian college student Aya Baradiya was murdered last month by her uncle and two other men. Her uncle admitted to killing her because he disapproved of her suitor, although her father had given his blessing. This woman was kidnapped by these men, had her arms and legs bound, and was thrown into a well. Doesn’t this sound like cold-blooded murder to anyone else?

A huge outpouring of anger has followed Baradiya’s murder. Her fellow college students have staged protests and have labeled her a martyr. Many are urging the death penalty for Baradiya’s uncle. President Mahmoud Abbas got rid of laws this week that promised only six weeks of prison to such criminals, and has promised to strengthen the consequences.

Baradiya’s murder is tragic, especially due to her young age. I hope her death will not be in vain and that these practices will finally be eradicated. In the past honour killings have been ignored or have caused a stir for only a few weeks. We cannot let her death go forgotten. These laws are finally starting to change and we need to keep the momentum going.

Contact the author here: JennY@morningquickie.com