Trigger warning: this article contains references to physical and sexual violence 

The killing of a 15-year-old Iraqi girl is sparking outrage and renewed warnings about the dangers of forced child marriage and so-called “honor” crimes in Iraq. Kawthar Bashar al-Husayjawi was reportedly shot 10 times and killed by male relatives after refusing a second forced marriage. Her killing has become a symbol of the risks faced by girls trapped between child marriage, gender-based violence and weak legal protections. Kawthar’s story starkly demonstrates how laws and social norms can combine to leave girls vulnerable to exploitation and modern slavery, sanctioned by those who should be protectors.  

A childhood cut short

Kawthar was removed from school and married at age 13 to a man significantly older than her. According to accounts from her family, she endured a year of violence before returning home and eventually securing a divorce through the courts in late 2025. However, her freedom was short-lived. Soon afterward, relatives arranged another marriage, this time to a cousin allegedly involved in criminal activity.  

Despite her objections, family members approved the marriage, insisting that her wishes did not matter. As the wedding approached, Kawthar fled. 

According to family accounts, she was then tragically abducted by a neighbor and held her against her will for several days. While she was held, Kawthar said her neighbor subjected her to terrible things that she didn’t want to disclose. And although surveillance footage supported that she had been taken against her will, relatives refused to believe she did not go willingly. 

More concerned with her “honor” than her well being, her father, uncle and fiancé allegedly interrogated her before taking her to an isolated area outside Baghdad and shot her. They then threw her body into a pit and covered it with a little dirt. Afterwards, the men joined others in going out on the streets to dance and celebrate her death. 

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