A Heartbreaking Case of Honor Killing in the Netherlands
On a somber day in September 2023, the Dutch city of Apeldoorn witnessed a horrific tragedy that would shake the community to its core. A 28-year-old woman named Roshin was brutally stabbed 28 times in broad daylight while walking with her three-year-old daughter. The perpetrator was none other than her own elder brother, 36-year-old Peshang A., who carried out the attack in what the court later described as an "honor killing." This senseless act of violence was not just a personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the dangerous and deeply rooted notion of honor that continues to plague certain communities.
The court’s verdict in February 2025 was unequivocal. Peshang A. was sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in the murder. However, he was not the only one held accountable. Another brother and two cousins were also convicted and received the same sentence for their involvement in the planning and execution of the crime. The court’s decision was based on overwhelming evidence, including audio and chat messages that revealed the men had collectively agreed that Roshin must die for allegedly dishonoring their family. This chilling conclusion underscores the premeditated nature of the crime and the warped mindset that led to such a heinous act.
The Tragic Context Behind the Murder
Roshin’s journey to this tragic end began after she made the brave decision to divorce her husband, a step that was met with fierce disapproval from her family. According to the court’s findings, Roshin’s family demanded that she move in with her parents in The Hague, essentially attempting to control her life and choices. However, Roshin chose a different path. She remained in Apeldoorn, where she was raising her young daughter, and began a new relationship. This act of independence and defiance was seen as a betrayal of the family’s honor, leading to the deadly consequences that unfolded.
The court’s verdict highlighted the meticulous planning that went into the murder. The four men involved deliberately kept their plans secret, even from other family members, to avoid detection. This level of secrecy and coordination speaks to the calculated nature of the crime and the twisted sense of justice that motivated them. The verdict also emphasized the profound impact of the murder on Roshin’s daughter, who witnessed the brutal killing of her mother. The court described the scene as "a more gruesome end to a human life [that] is hard to imagine," leaving no doubt about the lasting trauma inflicted on the young child.
The Cold-blooded Execution and Its Aftermath
The brutality of the crime was matched only by the callousness of the perpetrators. Peshang A., the elder brother, carried out the stabbing with ruthless efficiency, leaving Roshin with 28 life-threatening wounds. The attack was so violent that it shocked even the most seasoned law enforcement officials and legal experts. The fact that it occurred in broad daylight, in a public space, adds another layer of horror to the story. The men involved showed no regard for human life or the sanctity of their family ties, choosing instead to perpetuate a cycle of violence and control.
In the aftermath of the verdict, Peshang A. attempted to escape from the courtroom, a desperate act that was quickly thwarted by police. This attempt to flee justice only served to underscore the guilt and cowardice of the perpetrators. The court also ordered the four men to pay $73,000 in compensation to Roshin’s daughter, a small but significant acknowledgment of the irreparable harm caused by their actions. While no amount of money can bring back Roshin or erase the trauma her daughter endured, the ruling provides a measure of accountability and justice for the victims.
The Broader Issue of Honor Killings Globally
Roshin’s murder is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of honor killings, a practice that claims countless lives each year, particularly in certain regions of the world. While this case occurred in the Netherlands, honor killings are most commonly associated with countries like Pakistan, where a strict code of honor governs much of societal behavior. In these cultures, women are often expected to conform to rigid expectations regarding marriage, education, and personal freedoms, with any perceived deviation leading to severe consequences.
In Pakistan alone, the Human Rights Commission reported 384 honor killings in 2022, a chilling statistic that only scratches the surface of the problem. Many cases go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, and the complicity of family members. In one particularly shocking case from 2023, an 18-year-old woman was murdered after a photo of her sitting with a boyfriend went viral on social media. The photo was later revealed to be fake, but the damage had already been done. Her killers, who included members of her own family, justified their actions as a necessary defense of their honor.
The Cultural and Social Roots of Honor Killings
The roots of honor killings are deeply embedded in patriarchal societal norms, where women’s bodies and choices are seen as the property of their male relatives. In many cultures, a woman’s behavior is believed to reflect directly on her family’s reputation, and any perceived disgrace must be met with swift and brutal punishment. This mindset perpetuates a cycle of violence and control, where women are denied basic human rights and autonomy.
The case of Roshin and the broader phenomenon of honor killings highlight the urgent need for societal change and legal reform. While some progress has been made in recent years, with governments and activists pushing for stricter laws and greater awareness, the problem persists. Education, empowerment, and the dismantling of harmful gender stereotypes are essential steps toward eradicating this scourge. Until women are free to live their lives without fear of violence or reprisal, the fight for true equality and justice remains incomplete.
Conclusion: Remembering Roshin and Fighting for Change
Roshin’s story is one of courage and loss, a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of honor-based violence. Her decision to leave her marriage and start anew was a testament to her strength and resilience, but it ultimately cost her her life. The court’s sentencing of her killers is a step toward justice, but it cannot bring back the mother, daughter, and partner who was taken far too soon.
As we reflect on this case, we are compelled to remember Roshin and the countless other victims of honor killings. Their stories must serve as a call to action, urging us to confront the deeply ingrained attitudes and practices that allow such violence to occur. Only through collective efforts to challenge these norms and protect the rights of women and girls can we hope to create a world where no one is forced to pay the ultimate price for their freedom and dignity. Roshin’s memory must live on as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done and the lives that still need to be saved.
