'Honour killings' condemned

So-called honour killings have been condemned in the wake of the conviction of two men for the murder of a female relative.

Mahmod Mahmod, 52, from Mitcham in London, was jailed for the murder of his daughter, Banaz, 20, on Monday.

His brother Ari Mahmod, 50, was also found guilty of Banaz's murder following a three-month trial at the Old Bailey.

A third man, Darbad Mares-Rasull, was found not guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, while Ari Mahmod was also found guilty of the same offence.

The court heard how Miss Mahmod was strangled and buried in a suitcase after falling in love with a man whom her family disapproved of.

The court heard how Miss Mahmod’s father and uncle ordered the murder, because they believed that she had brought shame upon the family.

The Ramadhan Foundation condemned the practice of honour killing following the convictions.

Shazad Anwar, Chief Executive of the Foundation, said: "We are horrified at this case and wish to make clear that the illegal practice of forced marriages and honour killings are not from Islam and Islam specifically condemns and forbids them. We offer our deepest sympathies to the victim's family.

"The Ramadhan Foundation today calls on all Mosques, Imams and Muslim organisations to speak up and confront these issues; only with this essential debate can we send the message that this can never be tolerated."

The Foundation said that it would shortly be publishing a pamphlet on forced marriages that will deal with the Islamic guidance that forbids these issues and how they can be eradicated.

A number of police officers are reported to be facing an internal disciplinary investigation over Miss Mahmod's case, following claims that it was not properly handled.

Miss Mahmod is understood to have contacted police several times, saying that she feared that her life was in danger and even named the men she thought would try to kill her.

(KMcA/JM)