Afghan Family Convicted of Honour Killings in Canada

Three members of an Afghan immigrant family have been convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison after the “honour killings” of four female relatives in Canada. Mohammed Shafia’s three teenage daughters and his first wife from a polygamous marriage were found dead in their car in the Rideau Canal in the summer of 2009. In addition to damage on the family’s vehicles, wiretapped conversations were used as evidence to convict Shafia, his second wife Tooba, and their 21 year-old son, Hamed. The Westernized teens were apparently behaving in ways that “dishonoured” the family. The judge called the crimes “despicable” after announcing the jury’s verdict. The “Shafia trial” had gained international attention, especially in the Muslim community. During the three month trial, over 100 Islamic leaders across Canada spoke out against honour killings and signed a National Call to Eradicate Domestic Violence. #WeeklyNews