‘Honour killing’: Two police officers face disciplinary action

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