Who was Du'a Khalil Aswad and what was the nature of her death?

Du'a Khalil Aswad was a 17-year-old Iraqi Yazidi girl who was stoned to death in an honor killing in Bashiqa, Nineveh Governorate, northern Iraq, around April 7, 2007. She was accused by her killers of dishonoring her family and religion.

What were the alleged reasons cited for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

The alleged reasons for Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder were conflicting. Some reports claimed she had converted to Islam to marry a Sunni Muslim boy, while other reports suggested her family shamed her for not returning home one night.

Who carried out the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad, and what was the estimated number of perpetrators?

Du'a Khalil Aswad was murdered by a mob of local Yazidi men, estimated to number between several hundred and up to two thousand individuals. It was also alleged that some of her own family members were part of this mob.

What was the immediate aftermath and broader impact of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

The immediate outcome of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder was her death, which triggered widespread international outrage. Furthermore, the incident led to subsequent reprisal attacks against Yazidi communities, including the 2007 Mosul massacre.

How was Du'a Khalil Aswad initially buried after her death?

Following her death, Du'a Khalil Aswad was initially buried in a manner considered dishonorable. Her remains were later exhumed for an investigation and subsequently reburied.

What specific method was used in the killing of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

Du'a Khalil Aswad was killed by stoning, a brutal form of execution where victims are pelted with stones until death. This act was carried out as an honor killing.

What is the native name of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

The native name of Du'a Khalil Aswad, written in Arabic script, is دعاء خليل أسود.

In which specific location in Iraq did the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad take place?

The murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad occurred in Bashiqa, a town located in the Nineveh Governorate of northern Iraq.

What conflicting accounts exist regarding Du'a Khalil Aswad's alleged transgression against her family or community?

Conflicting accounts circulated regarding Du'a Khalil Aswad's alleged transgression. Some reports claimed she had converted to Islam to marry a Sunni Muslim boy, while others stated her family shamed her for not returning home one night, implying a violation of their honor.

What did local Yazidis reportedly tell reporters about Du'a Khalil Aswad's actions before her death?

Reporters gathered differing testimonies from local Yazidis. Some stated Du'a had run away from home to be with her Muslim boyfriend and was stopped at a checkpoint near Mosul. Others claimed her father and uncle saw her merely talking with the boy, and that Du'a and the boy fled to the police station out of fear.

What role did the police and a local sheikh play in the events leading up to Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

According to reports, after Du'a Khalil Aswad and her alleged boyfriend were stopped or fled to the police, the police handed her over to a local sheikh. There are conflicting reports regarding whether this sheikh was Yazidi or Muslim.

What happened to Du'a Khalil Aswad after she was handed over to the sheikh?

Du'a Khalil Aswad reportedly stayed with the sheikh for a few days. Subsequently, her family persuaded her that she was forgiven, which led to her return home.

What uncertainties surround Du'a Khalil Aswad's return home and subsequent capture?

It remains uncertain whether the same family members who convinced Du'a to return home were involved in her death. Additionally, the exact circumstances of her capture are unclear, with some accounts suggesting she was ambushed while returning home, while others claim the mob forcibly entered her home and dragged her outside.

Describe the sequence of events during the stoning of Du'a Khalil Aswad in the Bashiqa town square.

After capturing Du'a Khalil Aswad, the mob took her to the Bashiqa town square. She was reportedly stripped naked to symbolize her alleged dishonor. The men then surrounded her and began stoning her, throwing large rocks and pieces of concrete at her head while taunting her. The stoning lasted approximately 30 minutes.

What happened to Du'a Khalil Aswad's body after she died from the stoning?

After Du'a Khalil Aswad died from the stoning, her body was subjected to further indignities. It was tied to a car and dragged through the streets, and then buried with the remains of a dead stray dog, signifying extreme dishonor.

How did Kurdish communities react to the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

Following Du'a Khalil Aswad's killing, hundreds of Kurds organized protests in Erbil. These demonstrations served as a public call for an end to the practice of honor killings.

What reprisal attacks occurred in the aftermath of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder, and who claimed responsibility?

In the wake of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder, several reprisal attacks targeted Yazidi communities. On April 22, 2007, an explosion in Mosul killed 23 Yazidis, with the Islamic State of Iraq claiming responsibility. On the same day, a suicide car bomb attack claimed by Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna targeted the village of Tel Isqof, killing 25 Yazidis and Assyrians.

Which human rights and governmental bodies condemned the violence surrounding Du'a Khalil Aswad's death?

Both the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad and the subsequent reprisal attacks were condemned by Amnesty International and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The Kurdistan Regional Government specifically requested that the federal government of Iraq investigate the incidents.

What were the Qahtaniyah bombings, and how are they connected to the context of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

The Qahtaniyah bombings, which occurred in August 2007, were a devastating series of attacks targeting the Yazidi towns of Kahtaniya and Jazeera. These bombings resulted in at least 800 deaths and 1,500 injuries, highlighting the severe sectarian violence and instability in the region that followed events like the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad.

How did the Islamic State acknowledge the location of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder in later years?

After capturing Bashiqa in June 2014 during the Northern Iraq offensive, the Islamic State renamed the town to "Du'a City." This act occurred in a region where the group committed atrocities, including against Yazidis.

What was the legal outcome for those involved in the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

In 2010, a legal process concluded with four men being found guilty of murdering Du'a Khalil Aswad. They were subsequently sentenced to death for their involvement in the crime.

Who were the individuals convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

The four men convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad were identified as her cousins Aras Farid Salim and Wahid Farid Salim, along with Reyaz Kamal Omar and Zeyad Mahmmud Khder.

How can the image accompanying the article about Du'a Khalil Aswad be described?

The source material includes an image identified as Du'a Khalil Aswad, the young Yazidi girl who was the victim of the honor killing. The image serves as a visual representation of the individual at the center of the tragic events described.

What is the significance of Du'a Khalil Aswad's age at the time of her death?

Du'a Khalil Aswad was only 17 years old when she was murdered. Her youth underscores the tragic nature of the honor killing and highlights the vulnerability of young individuals within communities where such practices persist.

What symbolic act was performed on Du'a Khalil Aswad during her murder, and why?

During her murder, Du'a Khalil Aswad was reportedly stripped naked. This act was intended to symbolize that she had brought dishonor upon her family and religion, stripping away her dignity as part of the public punishment.

What was the duration and intensity of the stoning endured by Du'a Khalil Aswad?

The stoning of Du'a Khalil Aswad lasted approximately 30 minutes. During this ordeal, she repeatedly attempted to rise, while the crowd continued to taunt her and throw large rocks and pieces of concrete at her head.

What further indignities were inflicted upon Du'a Khalil Aswad's body after her death?

After Du'a Khalil Aswad died from the stoning, her body was further desecrated. It was tied to a car and dragged through the streets, and then buried alongside the remains of a dead stray dog, signifying extreme dishonor.

What does the term honor killing signify in the context of Du'a Khalil Aswad's death?

An honor killing, like the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad, is a crime where a person is killed because they are perceived to have brought shame or dishonor to their family or community. These acts are often carried out by relatives and are rooted in patriarchal traditions that seek to control behavior, particularly that of women.

What broader context do the reprisal attacks following Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder illustrate about the region?

The reprisal attacks that followed Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder, such as the bombings in Mosul and Tel Isqof, illustrate the volatile and dangerous sectarian climate in Iraq at the time. They demonstrate how localized incidents could quickly escalate into wider violence, particularly affecting minority groups.

When did the trial for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad conclude, and what was the verdict?

The trial for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad concluded in 2010. The verdict resulted in the conviction of four men who were subsequently sentenced to death for their roles in the killing.

What familial relationship did two of the men convicted of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder have to her?

Two of the men convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad, Aras Farid Salim and Wahid Farid Salim, were her cousins. This involvement highlights how family members can participate in honor killings.

What does the involvement of a local sheikh in Du'a Khalil Aswad's case suggest about community structures?

The involvement of a local sheikh, whether Yazidi or Muslim, in Du'a Khalil Aswad's case suggests that community or religious leaders may have played a role in mediating or adjudicating disputes related to family honor. This mediation sometimes occurred within systems that ultimately failed to prevent tragic outcomes.

What was the specific impact of the rumors about Du'a Khalil Aswad's conversion to Islam?

Rumors that Du'a Khalil Aswad had converted to Islam were particularly inflammatory in the context of Iraq's sectarian tensions. These rumors are believed to have directly prompted retaliatory attacks against Yazidis, such as the 2007 Mosul massacre.

What was the scale and location of the Qahtaniyah bombings?

The Qahtaniyah bombings were a major act of violence that occurred in August 2007, targeting the Yazidi towns of Kahtaniya and Jazeera. These attacks resulted in a devastating loss of life, killing at least 800 people and injuring an additional 1,500.

What does the accusation of Du'a Khalil Aswad 'dishonoring her family and religion' imply?

The accusation of Du'a Khalil Aswad 'dishonoring her family and religion' implies that her actions were seen as violating strict social and religious codes of her community, particularly concerning relationships and adherence to tradition. In honor killing contexts, such perceived violations are treated as offenses against the collective honor of the group, justifying extreme violence.

What role did Du'a Khalil Aswad's alleged relationship with a Muslim boy play in the events?

Du'a Khalil Aswad's alleged relationship with a Muslim boy was central to the accusations against her. Whether she converted to Islam for him or simply associated with him, this interfaith relationship was perceived by some within her community as a grave transgression that warranted severe punishment.

What external resource is provided regarding the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad?

An external link is provided to a video documenting the stoning of Du'a Khalil Aswad. This resource offers a visual record of the brutal event.

What does the renaming of Bashiqa to 'Du'a City' by the Islamic State signify?

The renaming of Bashiqa to 'Du'a City' by the Islamic State after capturing it in 2014 is a symbolic act. Its precise meaning is open to interpretation, but it occurred in a region where the group committed atrocities, making the naming potentially provocative or a form of historical revisionism.

What does the source suggest about the family's potential involvement in Du'a Khalil Aswad's death?

The source suggests potential family involvement in Du'a Khalil Aswad's death, noting that the mob was estimated to include family members and that it is unknown if those who convinced her to return home were responsible for her subsequent murder. This points to the complex and often brutal dynamics within families regarding perceived honor.

What was the nature of the stoning endured by Du'a Khalil Aswad, including the crowd's actions?

During the stoning of Du'a Khalil Aswad, the crowd not only threw rocks and concrete at her but also taunted her. This behavior indicates a collective participation and active encouragement of the violence, contributing to the brutality of the event.

What specific groups were targeted in the reprisal attacks following Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

The reprisal attacks following Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder specifically targeted Yazidi communities. For instance, the Mosul bombing killed 23 Yazidis, and the attack on Tel Isqof killed 25 Yazidis and Assyrians, indicating a broader sectarian dimension to the violence.

What does the conflicting information about Du'a Khalil Aswad's capture suggest about the event?

The conflicting accounts of Du'a Khalil Aswad's capture, whether she was ambushed or dragged from her home, suggest a chaotic and possibly premeditated act by the mob. The differing narratives may reflect the difficulty in establishing precise facts amidst such violence and community dynamics.

What is the significance of Du'a Khalil Aswad being Yazidi in the context of the events?

Du'a Khalil Aswad belonged to the Yazidi religious minority in Iraq. Her death and the subsequent reprisal attacks highlight the precarious position of minority groups within the country's complex ethno-religious landscape and the potential for violence against them.

What was the Islamic State of Iraq's claimed responsibility for one of the reprisal attacks?

The Islamic State of Iraq claimed responsibility for an explosion in Mosul on April 22, 2007, which killed 23 Yazidis. This claim and the timing of the attack strongly suggested it was a reprisal for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad.

What was the Kurdistan Regional Government's official reaction to the murder and subsequent attacks?

The Kurdistan Regional Government condemned both the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad and the subsequent reprisal attacks. They formally requested that the federal government of Iraq investigate the incidents.

What does the source suggest about the role of community leaders like the sheikh in Du'a Khalil Aswad's case?

The involvement of a local sheikh, whether Yazidi or Muslim, in Du'a Khalil Aswad's case suggests that community or religious leaders may have played a role in mediating or adjudicating disputes related to family honor. This mediation sometimes occurred within systems that ultimately failed to prevent tragic outcomes.

How did the mob treat Du'a Khalil Aswad's body after her death?

After Du'a Khalil Aswad died from the stoning, her body was further desecrated. It was tied to a car and dragged through the streets, and then buried in a dishonorable manner alongside the remains of a dead stray dog.

What is the significance of the stoning method used in Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

The stoning of Du'a Khalil Aswad was a particularly brutal method of execution, often employed in honor killings. It signifies a public and violent condemnation intended to inflict maximum suffering and serve as a severe warning to others.

What does the article imply about the legal consequences for the perpetrators of Du'a Khalil Aswad's murder?

The article indicates that legal consequences were pursued, as four men were convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for the murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad. This suggests that while honor killings are often carried out with impunity, legal action can sometimes be taken.

Murder Of Du A Khalil Aswad Wiki: Echoes of Bashiqa: An Examination of the Honor Killing of Du'a Khalil Aswad

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Background

Du'a Khalil Aswad

Du'a Khalil Aswad, born approximately in 1989, was a 17-year-old Yazidi girl from the village of Bashiqa in the Nineveh Governorate of northern Iraq. Her life was tragically cut short in early April 2007, becoming a victim of a brutal honor killing.^[1]

Allegations and Community Norms

Reports surrounding the events leading to her death are varied. Some accounts suggest she was accused of dishonoring her family and religion by allegedly converting to Islam to marry a Sunni Muslim boy.^[4] Conversely, other reports indicate that her family claimed she was killed for simply not returning home one night, suggesting a violation of community expectations.^[5]

Conflicting Testimonies and Police Involvement

Eyewitness accounts gathered at the scene present conflicting narratives. Some individuals reported that Du'a had eloped with her Muslim boyfriend and was apprehended at a checkpoint outside Mosul. Others stated that her family discovered her merely conversing with the boy, prompting both Du'a and her boyfriend to seek refuge at a police station.^[6] Regardless of the specific circumstances, the police ultimately handed Du'a over to a local Yazidi sheikh.

Return and Apprehension

Following her handover to the sheikh, Du'a reportedly stayed with him for a few days. Her family then persuaded her that she had been forgiven, leading to her return home.^[5] It remains unclear whether the same family members who assured her safety were involved in her subsequent death. Accounts differ on how she was captured; some claim she was ambushed while returning home, while others assert that a mob forcibly entered her residence and dragged her outside.^[7]^[6]^[1] The mob was estimated to consist of several hundred to as many as two thousand local Yazidi men.^[7]^[6]^[1]

The Incident

Public Execution in Bashiqa

The mob captured Du'a and transported her to the town square in Bashiqa. Reports indicate she was stripped naked, a symbolic act intended to signify the profound dishonor she had allegedly brought upon her family and community.^[6] Despite this, some members of the crowd reportedly attempted to cover her.^[1]

The Act of Stoning

The assembled men then surrounded Du'a and commenced stoning her. Accounts describe her repeated attempts to rise despite the barrage of large rocks and concrete fragments hurled at her head. The brutal act of stoning persisted for approximately 30 minutes, culminating in her death.^[1]

Post-Mortem Desecration and Burial

Following her death, Du'a's body was reportedly tied to a vehicle and dragged through the streets of Bashiqa.^[6] She was subsequently buried in a manner described as dishonorable, reportedly alongside the remains of a stray dog.^[8]

Societal Impact and Retaliation

Public Outcry and Protests

The murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad ignited widespread condemnation and public outcry. In the aftermath, hundreds of Kurds gathered in Erbil to protest against the prevalent practice of honor killings and to demand an end to such violence.^[9]^[10]

Reprisal Attacks

The incident tragically escalated into further violence. On April 22, 2007, an explosion in Mosul claimed the lives of 23 Yazidis. The Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) claimed responsibility, an act widely interpreted as a reprisal for Du'a's murder.^[11]^[12]^[3] On the same day, Jamaat Ansar al-Sunna claimed responsibility for a suicide car bombing targeting the village of Tel Isqof, resulting in the deaths of 25 Yazidis and Assyrians.^[13]^[14]

International Condemnation

Both Du'a's murder and the subsequent reprisal attacks were strongly condemned by international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International.^[5] The Kurdistan Regional Government also issued a statement condemning the act and urged the federal government of Iraq to conduct a thorough investigation.^[15]

Escalation of Violence

The violence continued to escalate. In August 2007, the Qahtaniyah bombings targeted the Yazidi towns of Kahtaniya and Jazeera, resulting in at least 800 deaths and 1,500 injuries.^[16]^[2] Following the June 2014 Northern Iraq offensive, the Islamic State captured Bashiqa and controversially renamed it "Du'a City," a move seen by many as a perversion of her memory.^[17]^[18]

Legal Proceedings

Trial and Convictions

In 2010, a significant legal development occurred when four men were found guilty of murdering Du'a Khalil Aswad. Two of the convicted individuals were identified as cousins of the victim, Aras Farid Salim and Wahid Farid Salim. The other two men convicted were Reyaz Kamal Omar and Zeyad Mahmmud Khder. All four were sentenced to death for their roles in the killing.^[19]^[20]

Broader Context

Related Incidents and Concepts

The murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad is emblematic of broader issues concerning gender-based violence and cultural practices in certain regions. It is often discussed alongside other cases and concepts:

Honor Killings: A practice where individuals are killed by their own family members for perceived transgressions that bring shame upon the family or community.
Femicide: The intentional killing of women or girls because they are female.
Stoning: A method of execution involving the throwing of stones at a condemned person until death.

Comparative Cases

Several other high-profile cases highlight similar patterns of violence and injustice:

Stoning of Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow: A case of honor killing by stoning in Somalia.
Murder of Farkhunda: A mob killing in Afghanistan, initially fueled by false accusations.
Noor Almaleki: An Iraqi-American woman murdered by her father in the United States for refusing an arranged marriage.
Banaz Mahmod: A Kurdish woman killed by her family in the United Kingdom for ending a forced marriage and choosing her own partner.

Genocide and Conflict

The context of Du'a's murder is also intertwined with the broader conflict and persecution faced by minority groups in Iraq, particularly the Yazidi community. This includes:

Genocide of Yazidis by ISIL: The systematic persecution, enslavement, and mass killing of Yazidis by the Islamic State group.

The renaming of Bashiqa to "Du'a City" by ISIL, while seemingly referencing her, is often viewed as a cynical appropriation of her tragedy within a context of extreme violence.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Murder of Du'a Khalil Aswad Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for academic and informational purposes only. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not represent the most current or complete information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the AI cannot guarantee the absolute veracity or up-to-dateness of the information.

This content does not constitute legal or sociological advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for professional legal counsel, expert sociological analysis, or consultation with human rights organizations. The complexities surrounding honor killings, cultural practices, and legal systems require nuanced understanding that AI cannot fully replicate. Readers are advised to consult with qualified professionals and consult primary sources for definitive guidance.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided. The use of this information is at the user's own risk.

Echoes of Bashiqa

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Background 📜

👤 Du'a Khalil Aswad

⚖️ Allegations and Community Norms

🤝 Conflicting Testimonies and Police Involvement

🏠 Return and Apprehension

The Incident 🩸

📍 Public Execution in Bashiqa

पत्थर The Act of Stoning

⚰️ Post-Mortem Desecration and Burial

Societal Impact and Retaliation 🌍

✊ Public Outcry and Protests

💥 Reprisal Attacks

📢 International Condemnation

🔥 Escalation of Violence

Legal Proceedings ⚖️

👨‍⚖️ Trial and Convictions

Broader Context 🔗

📚 Related Incidents and Concepts

⚖️ Comparative Cases

⚔️ Genocide and Conflict

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background

Du'a Khalil Aswad

Allegations and Community Norms

Conflicting Testimonies and Police Involvement

Return and Apprehension

The Incident

Public Execution in Bashiqa

The Act of Stoning

Post-Mortem Desecration and Burial

Societal Impact and Retaliation

Public Outcry and Protests

Reprisal Attacks

International Condemnation

Escalation of Violence

Legal Proceedings

Trial and Convictions

Broader Context

Related Incidents and Concepts

Comparative Cases

Genocide and Conflict

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice