Shafia trial jurors find family guilty of 1st-degree murder

[iverglas]

34. Idea of Shafia deaths as 'honour killings' stirs debate

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Canada/20120130/shafia-trial-reaction-120130/

... At issue is the Crown's argument that the deaths were "honour killings," murders intended to restore family dignity after the women's perceived rebellious behaviour.

... The weight of these words, however, has concerned many that this interpretation of the Shafia deaths will only further marginalize a community that is still enduring hateful sentiment related to the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

... Shortly after the Shafia women were found dead, Canada's justice department commissioned a report on so-called "honour killings" across the country.

As well, the report said the idea of killing for honour provides lawyers with a specific legal argument. By definition, the phrase implies that the crime has been planned within a family (often with a meeting) and the perpetrators don't feel or receive any negative stigma for the actions within their own communities.

Such a detailed definition, the report noted, could help protect victims when crimes like these go to court. Still, the research found that several cultural communities are concerned that the phrase "honour killing" will stir anti-immigration sentiment.

And if you read the comments on any online article at any media site, you will find that it doesn't take much to stir those sentiments, and for the foul-mouthed bigots who hold them to smear them around cyberspace.