Four Men Sentenced for “Honour Killing” in Netherlands

In a chilling case that shocked the Netherlands, four men have been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the “honor killing” of Roshin, a 28-year-old woman. The horrific murder took place in September 2023 in Apeldoorn, a city in the eastern part of the country.

Roshin was stabbed 28 times in broad daylight, while walking wiht her three-year-old daughter. “A more gruesome end to a human life is hard to imagine. Her daughter saw her mother killed in a very violent way,” stated the court verdict according to the Rechtbank Gelderland.

A Family Affair Turned Deadly

The court revealed that the crime was meticulously planned by the victim’s brother, peshang A., 36, his brother, and two cousins. “The audio and chat messages that the men sent to each other show that thay decided together that the victim had to die,as she violated the family’s honour,” the court explained.

Roshin’s decision to divorce and stay in Apeldoorn with her daughter marked a rupture with her family’s expectations. They had demanded she move back in with her parents in The Hague. This move, coupled with Roshin’s decision to start a new relationship, ignited a deadly conflict within the family.

“The four men then made preparations together to carry out that plan, deliberately keeping the rest of the family out of the execution plans,” according to the verdict.This purposeful exclusion points towards a darker,more calculated motive behind the crime.

justice served,but Wounds Remain

Following the verdict,Peshang A. attempted to flee the courtroom but was quickly apprehended by police.The court also ordered the four men to jointly pay $73,000 to Roshin’s daughter.

While justice has been served,the case raises deeply troubling questions about societal norms and violence against women. “Honor killings” are a disturbingly common phenomenon, notably in cultures where women are seen as belonging to their male relatives and are expected to conform to strict codes of conduct.

A Global Issue

pakistan, in particular, grapples with a high prevalence of “honor killings.” The country’s culture operates under a rigid honour code that often dictates the lives of women, limiting their choices regarding education, employment, and marriage.

Tragically, Pakistan saw numerous “honor killings” in 2023 alone. In April, a man was arrested for allegedly filming his brother strangling their sister to death. Authorities also apprehended four individuals accused of murdering an 18-year-old woman for allegedly being seen with a boyfriend, with the crime allegedly fueled by a doctored photo circulating on social media. According to the Human Rights Commission of pakistan, there were 384 reported “honor killings” in 2022 alone.

The case in the Netherlands serves as a stark reminder that violence against women rooted in cultural norms remains a global crisis demanding urgent attention and action.

What message do you hope this case sends to society and law enforcement agencies going forward?

conversations in Justice: An Interview with Judge Anita van Dijk – “Honor Killings” and the Quest for Gender Equality

The Tragic Case of roshin: A Turning Point?

Archyde recently sat down with Judge Anita van Dijk,the presiding judge in the high-profile case against the four men convicted for the “honor killing” of roshin in Apeldoorn. Judge van Dijk shares her insights on this disturbing case and its implications for societal norms and women’s rights.

Introducing Judge Anita van Dijk

Judge Anita van Dijk is known for her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. With over two decades of experience in the Dutch judicial system,she has been a vocal advocate for strengthening legal protections for women.

Archyde: The Roshin case has sent shockwaves across the Netherlands. What was your initial reaction when you first read the case details?

judge van Dijk: It was absolutely horrifying. The sheer brutality of the crime, planned and executed by her own family members, was chilling. It underscored the urgent need for our society to address and challenge deeply ingrained patriarchal norms that devalue women’s lives.

Archyde: The court’s verdict described the crime as meticulously planned. Can you discuss the evidence that led you to this conclusion?

Judge van Dijk: Indeed, the evidence was chillingly clear. Communicated via encrypted messaging apps, the men discussed their intentions, planned the attack, and even chose the murder weapon together. They purposely excluded other family members from the plans, indicating a calculating, cold-blooded approach.

Archyde: The concept of “honor killings” is not unique to the Netherlands. How does this case reflect the global challenge of violence against women rooted in cultural norms?

Judge van Dijk: You’re absolutely right. ‘Honor killings’ are a global scourge,fueled by toxic cultural norms that dehumanize women. This case serves as a stark reminder that we must tackle these issues head-on, wherever they occur. Every society has a role to play in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful traditions.

Archyde: What role can the judicial system play in promoting cultural change and ending such violent practices?

Judge van dijk: The judicial system has a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding human rights. However, true change will only happen when all sectors of society – education, politics, community leaders, and families – work together to promote equality and challenge toxic norms. The court’s decision sends a strong message, but it’s one piece of the puzzle.

Archyde: what message do you hope this case sends to society and law enforcement agencies going forward?

Judge van Dijk: I hope this case sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated. It’s crucial that law enforcement agencies are trained to recognize and address the root causes of such crimes. But more importantly, we must foster a culture where women’s lives are valued, where they have the freedom to make their own choices, and where violence against them is universally condemned.

What do you think is the most crucial step in preventing such tragedies in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!