Jordan: another 'honor crime' goes unpunished by government - Reports from around the world: Middle East and Africa - reprinted from the FEMINIST DAILY NEWS WIRE of June 5, 2003 - Brief Article - Reprint

WIN News, Summer, 2003

FEMINIST DAILY NEWS WIRE (June 5, 2003), THE FEMINIST MAJORITY FOUNDATION 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 801, Arlington, VA 22209

"A 20-year-old man, who strnagled his pregnant sister to death, was sentenced to one year in prison by the Jordanian Criminal Court. According to the court transcript, his sister became pregnant after being raped by her neighbor, reported the BBC.

When news of her pregnancy spread, her brother was called a 'brother of a slut.' The court declared the man guilty of strangling his sister to death with a telephone cord. Citing that the sister 'tarnished her family's honor and reputation. (causing) the defendant to lose control of himself,' the court reduced his charge from premeditated murder to a misdemeanor, according to the Jordan Times.

Jordan amended its penal code nearly two years ago to punish men guilty of honor killings: however, women's groups in the country say incidents have not declined, according to BBC News. Typical sentences last less than one year, due partly to legislation that reduces sentences for crimes committed as a result of an 'unlawful action' (e.g. having sex out of wedlock) by the victim. According to the BBC, the UN estimates that at least 5,000 women die each year from honor killings.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We would like to ask the young king of Jordan--who is traipsing around the world playing "statesman" why he cannot even control murder in his own country? What a shame that this so-called king protects common murderers under his Moslem justice! So what will he do if his wife is raped--kill her?

Shame on this young man--a 'king' elected by no one--who is not even able to control murder in his own country: how can he be taken seriously in world affairs! He must be held responsible for the killing of 5,000 young women every year (according to the BBC) by falling to support justice!