14.5.2026
A 15-year girl Bashar Al-Husayjawi has been killed because she refused to participate in an arranged marriage to her cousin in Nahrawan, near Baghdad the Iraqi capital city.
According to the International non-profit organization Iraqi Women’s Rights Al-Husayjawi was killed this week with active participation of her family members in order to “wash shame” from the family.
She had run away to avoid been dragged into the marriage with a relative who is much older than her and her family was led to believe she left with a young man.
Al-Husayjawi went missing on Wednesday night, and her absence was reported the next day, according to the organization. It is alleged that her family took issue with her conduct, leading her to be handed over to a different tribal group. She was then reportedly taken to a remote area and lynched to death.
Videos shared by the platform are alleged to show the young girl’s family celebrating after her death. Iraqi journalist Aya Mansour reported that Al-Husayjawi’s mother filed a complaint, adding that she confirmed the validity of reports of the murder. Authorities have yet to comment on the case.
Articles 128 and 409 of the Iraqi penal code allow “honorable motives” to be used as a “mitigating excuse” in crimes, including homicide, which often translates to a reduced sentence, according to Human Rights Watch and the United Nations Population Fund.
Iraqi girl protesting oppression against women.