Parents Sentenced to Life for 'Honor Killing' of Teen Daughter Who Refused Arranged Marriage

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Luca Bruno/AP Photo

Luca Bruno/AP Photo

Saman Abbas was last seen in April 2021. Italian authorities said she was murdered in an “honor killing” for refusing an arranged marriage, the outlets reported. Her body was found in 2022, in an abandoned farmhouse near where her father worked in northern Italy, CBS reported.

Shabbar Abbas, Saman’s father, was convicted in an Italian courtroom this week, the outlets reported. He was reportedly sentenced to life in prison.

Saman’s mother, Nazia Shaheen, who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, was convicted in absentia, and the young woman’s uncle, Danish Hasnain, was convicted for his involvement in her murder and sentenced to 14 years in prison, reported the BBC.

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Shabbar was arrested in Pakistan and extradited to Italy in August to stand trial, Reuters reported. He is able to appeal the verdict, which he reportedly disputes.

“Never in my life did I think of killing my daughter,” Shabbar said in court, reported the BBC.

Reuters reported that prosecutors claimed Saman’s family were angered after finding out she had a boyfriend in Italy.

source: people.com