Italian Court Hands Life Sentences to Parents for 'Honour Killing' of Pakistani Teen

An Italian court has sentenced a Pakistani couple to life in prison for the "honour killing" of their 18-year-old daughter, Saman Abbas, who refused an arranged marriage. Saman's body was found 18 months after she disappeared, and her father was arrested in Pakistan and extradited for trial. Her mother, who is believed to be in hiding in Pakistan, was convicted in absentia. The court also sentenced Saman's uncle to 14 years in jail for involvement in the murder. The case shocked Italy, leading to a fatwa against forced marriages. Honour killings are a significant issue in Pakistan, with hundreds of women killed each year for reasons such as refusing arranged marriages or perceived disobedience.