Honour on trial : the Shafia murders and the culture of honour killings

A car is discovered underwater at a Rideau Canal lockstation near Kingston, Ontario. Within it are the bodies of three sisters—Zainab, Sahar, and Geeti Shafia—along with that of their presumed aunt, Rona Amir Mohammad. The stories told by parents Tooba Mohammad Yahya and Mohammad Shafia, and their eldest son, Hamed, don't match up with the rapidly gathering evidence. An extensive investigation unfolds, revealing a troubling story of physical and emotional abuse in the Shafia home—including threats of murder. Police began to suspect a quadruple "honour killing," extensively planned and carried out to wipe away the family's "shame" caused by the eldest daughters. Two years later, Mohammad Shafia, Tooba Mohammad Yahya, and Hamed Shafia are pronounced guilty on all four counts of murder, in the first degree. But, in the end, how were the victims overlooked by the legal system that could have protected them? How was their plight undetected until they were found in the river? Are there others like them, and can we find them before it is too late? Overview: A black car is pulled from the Rideau Canal near Kingston, Ontario, containing the bodies of three girls-sisters Zainab, Sahar, and Geeti Shafia-along with their presumed aunt, Rona Amir Mohammad. Later in the day, after family members report the women missing, Kingston police become suspicious. The stories told by parents Tooba Mohammad Yahya and Mohammad Shafia, and their eldest son, Hamed, don't match up with the rapidly gathering evidence. An extensive investigation unfolds, revealing a troubling story of physical and emotional abuse in the Shafia home-including threats of murder. Police begin to suspect that this is a quadruple "honour killing," planned and carried out to wipe away the family's shame caused by the eldest girls. Two years later, Mohammad Shafia, Tooba Mohammad Yahya, and Hamed Shafia are tried for the mass murders, while a shocked nation follows the case until its gripping conclusion. A black car is pulled from the Rideau Canal near Kingston, Ontario, containing the bodies of three girls -- sisters Zainab, Sahar, and Geeti Shafia -- along with their presumed aunt, Rona Amir Mohammad. Later in the day, after family members report the women missing, Kingston police become suspicious. The stories told by parents Tooba Mohammad Yahya and Mohammad Shafia, and their eldest son, Hamed, don't match up with the rapidly gathering evidence. An extensive investigation unfolds, revealing a troubling story of physical and emotional abuse in the Shafia home -- including threats of murder. Police begin to suspect that this is a quadruple "honour killing," planned and carried out to wipe away the family's shame caused by the eldest girls. Two years later, Mohammad Shafia, Tooba Mohammad Yahya, and Hamed Shafia are tried for the mass murders, while a shocked nation follows the case until its gripping conclusion. Introduction Drive home Kingston Mills Night before Report Back at the scene Interviews Montreal accident Gathering evidence Pieces fit Growing suspicion Shame and honour Rona's diary Nomadic life Family life Sahar Zainab Zainab's escape Wedding Sahar and Geeti Sahar's boyfriend Zainab's engagement Rona's life Fazil's testimony Plan Ruse Arrests Interviews/interrogations Jailhouse confession Trial Reconstruction Autopsies Mojab In his own defence Son testifies Trial continues Defence summations Crown summation Verdict Honour? Witnesses Lessons Legacy.