Farzana murder case: LHC hands death sentences to killers
Farzana Iqbal was stoned to death in an apparent 'honour killing' by her father, brother and cousin
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court sentenced to death on Wednesday four relatives of a woman who was bludgeoned to death by her family in an apparent 'honour killing' earlier this year in May.
Twenty-five year old Farzana Iqbal was previously engaged to a cousin but chose to marry one Muhammad Iqbal instead, following which, her family registered a kidnapping case against her husband.
While waiting at the LHC to record her statement in favour of her husband, members of Farzana's family opened fire on her followed by nearly a dozen men, including her father, brothers and former fiancée pelting her with stones and bricks.
The court today gave its decision on the case and sentenced Farzana's father Iqbal, brother Zahid Iqbal and cousin Jahan Khan to death, said defence lawyer Mansoor Afridi.
Another suspect Ghulam Ali was also sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million.
Afridi said the family planned to appeal, adding that the verdict was "a decision based on sensationalism." The state prosecutor was not immediately available for comment.
In 2013, 869 cases of so-called "honour killings" were reported in the media, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The true figure is probably higher since many cases go unreported.
Murder in the name of honour is 'haraam' and it is not permissible in Islam for such an offence according to the members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
The Lahore High Court sentenced to death on Wednesday four relatives of a woman who was bludgeoned to death by her family in an apparent 'honour killing' earlier this year in May.
Twenty-five year old Farzana Iqbal was previously engaged to a cousin but chose to marry one Muhammad Iqbal instead, following which, her family registered a kidnapping case against her husband.
While waiting at the LHC to record her statement in favour of her husband, members of Farzana's family opened fire on her followed by nearly a dozen men, including her father, brothers and former fiancée pelting her with stones and bricks.
The court today gave its decision on the case and sentenced Farzana's father Iqbal, brother Zahid Iqbal and cousin Jahan Khan to death, said defence lawyer Mansoor Afridi.
Another suspect Ghulam Ali was also sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million.
Afridi said the family planned to appeal, adding that the verdict was "a decision based on sensationalism." The state prosecutor was not immediately available for comment.
In 2013, 869 cases of so-called "honour killings" were reported in the media, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The true figure is probably higher since many cases go unreported.
Murder in the name of honour is 'haraam' and it is not permissible in Islam for such an offence according to the members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).