BERLIN — Germans are debating whether 10 years imprisonment is a suitable punishment for a man who killed his sister because she refused to adhere to his concept of a traditional Muslim lifestyle.
Hatun Sueruecue, 23, was shot Feb. 7, 2005, by her brother Ayhan, then 18. Hatun Sueruecue had grown estranged from her traditional Turkish family as she became increasingly Westernized. Her family was outraged that she refused to participate in an arranged marriage, had a child out of wedlock and was studying to become an electrical technician.
According to police, family members decided an “honor killing” was necessary to restore the family’s standing in its religious community.
Two brothers, aged 25 and 26, were accused of assisting Ayhan Sueruecue with the murder, but the court could not find enough evidence against them. During the case, there was much speculation that he was chosen as the triggerman specifically because he would not be tried as an adult.
He was sentenced April 13 to nine years and three months in prison.
Several women have been killed in Germany under similar circumstances in the last decade, causing some to question whether Germany has done enough to integrate immigrant families and make clear that concepts such as honor killings are unacceptable.
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