Karma Nirvana
(National charity supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.)
5 Jun 2020
Rania Alayed was a 25-year-old mother of three. After experiencing years of abuse from her husband she left him, in the hope to rebuild her life. She enrolled in college and moved to another town. Her husband, Ahmed al-Khatib, however did not approve of this, deeming it to be a too westernised way of living and shameful. On 7th June 2013 he lured Rania to his brother’s flat in Salford under the pretence of dropping off their three children. Rania never left this property alive. Less than an hour later her husband was seen on CCTV leaving the property wearing a headscarf and Rania’s clothing. He then dragged her body in a suitcase to North Yorkshire were she is believed to be buried. Her body is yet to be found.
Rania had spoken of her fears to agencies before her untimely death, seeking the support of police and a solicitor. This angered the perpetrator, leading to the heinous act of murder. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Reade of Greater Manchester Police said about the case:
‘Make no mistake, this was an honour killing. Honour-based violence is committed to protect or defend the 'honour' of a family and/or community, usually against young women, where they have acted outside perceived acceptable female behaviour patterns.
Al-Khatib's murderous actions were motivated by his outrage and jealousy that Rania would attempt to take control of her own life and live a more westernised life, after suffering years of abuse at his hands.
His male 'pride' clearly couldn't take a strong woman trying to determine her own fate, so he carried out one final act that would ensure she could never defy him again.
The irony is that this horrific act of self-pity has brought nothing but shame on him and his family.’
Here at Karma Nirvana we recognise that there is no honour is an honour killing and there is no shame in anyone wanting to live their life in any manner that they chose to.
Rania, we remember you, may you rest in peace.
#HonourKillings #WeRemember #HonourBasedAbuse #DomesticAbuse