A MAN, 33, has appeared in court after the body of a 19-year-old woman was found in a fridge in a London home following a suspected honour killing.<\/p>\n
But what are honour killings and how common are they in the UK?<\/p>\n
Honour killings are committed within families or social groups with the purpose of controlling behaviour, reports the Honour Based Violence Awareness Network (HBVAN).<\/p>\n
Such murders are carried in the name of protecting cultural beliefs or honour.<\/p>\n
Those targeted are believed to have shamed their family or community.<\/p>\n
Reasons given for this can include refusing an arranged marriage, entering a relationship with someone disapproved of, renouncing faith and behaving or dressing in a way thought to be inappropriate.<\/p>\n
Both men and women can be victims of honour killings, although women are more commonly targeted.<\/p>\n
The HBVAN stresses that there is little scriptural support for honour killings in any major religion, and it has been roundly condemned by several high status religious leaders.<\/p>\n