Jasmine Anderson
October 14, 2009
5:16 pm
Honor killings are going on around the world, and the murders usually aren’t charged and if they are, they have short sentences. In Jordan, about 15-20 women are killed annually in these honor killings; there have been 16 so far this year. The government has been trying to stop such crimes, but to no avail. Recently, a 21 year old man has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for killing his sister. This killing took place last year when his 18 year old sister was allegedly having an affair; he stabbed her 26 times with a kitchen knife. His defense behind the killing was that he wanted to restore his family’s honor. In this past Jordan has been known for giving lenient sentences for these killings. The murderer’s family tried to reduce the sentence, but the courts refused; although, that verdict can be appealed in 30 days.
The murderer wants some leniency because it’s a supposed “honor killing”…murder is murder. It doesn’t matter the reason behind it, the fact is that an innocent person is dead. Why these people think they should get some leniency…I have no idea. That’s absolutely ridiculous though; since there’s “honor” behind your murder you get a few years but someone else gets life? I don’t think so. Again, murder is murder. This is really sad that these young women are being killed; usually over issues dealing with marriage and etc. This doesn’t only go on in Jordan; it goes on in other countries as well. Something should definitely be done about it. I understand that there are certain “consequences” within different religions and ethnic beliefs on certain issues, but I think it’s ridiculous that the person’s consequence is death. I also don’t see how when you murder someone it brings honor. In my eyes, it brings dishonor. I just think that these people should be prosecuted to the fullest extent, with no leniency. I mean, what do you need leniency for? If these people are getting leniency because they’re “honor killings”, why don’t all the other murders just claim “honor killing” so they can receive leniency as well.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8303573.stm
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