My 15-year-old relative was killed for refusing to marry her cousin

5 hours ago

Kawthar, a 15-year-old girl, was brutally murdered by her own male family members, who shot her, split her head with an axe, and celebrated her death.
She was forced into an early, abusive marriage at 13, divorced after fleeing violence, then pressured to marry a cousin involved in drugs, which she refused before escaping.
After being abducted by a neighbor, her family disbelieved her account of assault and interrogated her, leading to her execution by male relatives in a remote area.
The police reportedly sought bribes and failed to act, while family members moved her body repeatedly, denying her a dignified burial.
Witnessing impunity and corruption, the author and other women secretly shared Kawthar's story with media to seek justice and highlight systemic violence against women in Iraq.
Iraqi laws, including lenient penalties for 'honor' killings and allowing child marriage, perpetuate vulnerability and normalize violence against girls and women.

Hasty Briefsbeta