Afghan Family Convicted of Honour Killings in Canada

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

• convict: to declare someone guilty of a crime
• honour killing: the murdering of someone because he or she “dishonoured” the family
• polygamous: having more than one spouse
• wiretap: a secret device that allows investigators or spies to listen in to telephone conversations
• despicable: morally unacceptable; very ugly
• verdict: final decision
• eradicate: to get rid of completely

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Afghan Family Convicted of Honour Killings in Canada

Three members of an Afghan immigrant  have been convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison after the “honour killings” of four female  in Canada. Mohammed Shafia’s three  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  behaving in ways that “dishonoured” the family. The judge called the crimes “despicable” after announcing the  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.

Comprehension Questions

1. Where were the bodies of the females found?
2. Who is Hamed?
3. What did many Islamic leaders in Canada do during the trial?

Discussion Question: An Islamic leader in Canada said this: “The actions of one misguided family single-handedly revived stereotypes of violence and intolerance that have dogged the community since 911.” Do you agree or disagree?

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