Two police officers are facing disciplinary action following an
Independent Police
Complaints Commission probe into the case of a
woman who sought help from the police four times before she became
the victim of an “honour killing”.
Banaz Mahmod was strangled and buried in a suitcase at a
Birmingham address in January 2006. The
murder was carried out on the orders of her father and uncle
who believed she had brought “shame” on the Kurdish family by
falling in love with someone they disapproved of.
Let down by police
The IPCC found Mahmod had been “let down” by both the
Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police. On one occasion in
December 2005, Ms Mahmod had entered a café in a highly distressed
state. The IPCC said the actions of a Met constable and inspector
who attended the scene were “below standard”. The pair will be
called before a disciplinary panel.
In addition, six officers from both constabularies will receive
written warnings. The IPPC also found the initial investigation by
West Midlands Police was “flawed”.
IPCC Commissioner Nicola Williams said: “It is clear that the
police response was at best mixed. In relation to two incidents we
have found that Banaz Mahmod was let down by the service she
received. There were delays in investigations, poor supervision, a
lack of understanding and insensitivity.”
Community Care conference
Community Care is running a
conference on working with faith communities to safeguarding
children, which will cover 'honour' abuse and forced marriage,
in central London on 22 April. Speakers include Anna Hardy, lead
project researcher for community engagement at
Karma Nirvana, a
charity which supports survivors of 'honour' abuse.
Related articles
The Big Picture: Root out honour killings
Forced marriage and honour killings