Lifetime sentences for Pakistani parents in Italy’s ‘honour killing’ trial

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ITALY, Dec 20: On Tuesday, an Italian court handed down life sentences to Pakistani parents convicted of murdering their teenage daughter, Saman Abbas, who had refused an arranged marriage trip to Pakistan. The brutal act, commonly referred to as an “honour killing,” shocked Italy, and the court in the northern city of Reggio Emilia sentenced Saman’s father, Shabbar Abbas, while her mother, who remains at large, was also found guilty. The girl’s uncle received a 14-year prison term, and two cousins were acquitted. The verdict is subject to appeal as it was rendered at a court of first instance.

During his testimony on Tuesday, Shabbar Abbas, who had been extradited from Pakistan in August after his arrest on suspicion of murder, wept and vehemently protested his innocence. He insisted that the trial was incomplete and expressed a desire to uncover the truth about his daughter’s death. His wife is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan.

Saman Abbas went missing in April 2021, and her remains were discovered near her family home in Novellara in November 2022, 18 months later. Identification was made through dental records. The young woman, captured in photographs wearing red lipstick and a red headband, has become a symbol of public concern in Italy regarding violence against women perpetrated by family members or partners.

The prosecutors revealed that Saman’s family was angered upon discovering her relationship with a boyfriend in Italy. They alleged that the fatal incident occurred when she returned to the family home to collect documents after residing nearby under the care of social services.

The recent killing of a university student and the subsequent arrest of her ex-boyfriend for the crime triggered widespread demonstrations across Italy, intensifying the nation’s focus on addressing violence against women.

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