Honor Killing in Viry-Châtillon, France: Brothers Beat Their Sister's Ex-Boyfriend to Death

Shamseddine
Age: 15
Beaten to death: April 4, 2024
Residence: Viry-Châtillon, France
Ethnic Origin: North African
Perpetrators: Brothers of His Ex-Girlfriend and Accomplices

On Thursday, April 4, 15-year-old Shamseddine was attacked on his way home from school in the Paris suburb of Viry-Châtillon by a group of three 17-year-olds and a 20-year-old. Shamseddine was kicked and punched so severely in the head and body that he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital a day later.

Police have arrested five individuals; four are suspected of murder, while a 15-year-old is accused of "willingly failing to prevent a crime."

Shamseddine allegedly had a relationship a year ago with the 15-year-old sister of two of the perpetrators. She purportedly discussed sexual matters with him. Shamseddine allegedly boasted about his contact with the girl, although her brothers had forbidden him from speaking about his relationship with their sister. According to investigators, the brothers feared for their family's reputation. The brothers were no strangers to justice, having previously been convicted of assault and drug possession.

French media has labeled this incident an "honor killing." However, investigators emphasize that it has yet to be determined whether the minor and her brothers come from a strict Muslim religious family.

The lawyer for one of the suspects told the press that it was not attempted murder but assault resulting in death. According to him, his client had not intended to kill the 15-year-old student. The lawyer spoke of an accident.

What is an honour killing?

An honour killing is a murder in the name of honour. If a brother murders his sister to restore family honour, it is an honour killing. According to activists, the most common reasons for honour killings are as the victim:

refuses to cooperate in an arranged marriage.
wants to end the relationship.
was the victim of rape or sexual assault.
was accused of having a sexual relationship outside of marriage.

Human rights activists believe that 100,000 honour killings are carried out every year, most of which are not reported to the authorities and some are even deliberately covered up by the authorities themselves, for example because the perpetrators are good friends with local policemen, officials or politicians. Violence against girls and women remains a serious problem in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Serbia and Turkey.