Fiend who ordered niece's ‘honour' killing sues ITV over claims he also sanctioned her rape
A MAN who ordered the murder of his niece in a so-called 'honour' killing is suing ITV over claims he also sanctioned her rape.
Ari Mahmod is one of five men serving life in jail for the murder of 20-year-old Banaz Mahmod after she left an abusive arranged marriage.
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She was raped by three of her cousins before being strangled.
Uncle Mahmod, 69, is suing over a 2020 drama called Honour, starring Keeley Hawes, and a 2012 documentary on the case.
He says 'honour' murders are acceptable in his Iraqi Muslim culture — but rape accusations have destroyed his reputation.
Representing himself, he told the High Court he had been attacked in jail and his family were the victims of reprisals.
Speaking via videolink from HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire earlier this month, he said: 'In my country murder is normal — after served time you have a new opportunity.
"In my culture the main things they react against me was the rape allegation.'
Referring to himself in the third person, he said: 'Prisoners attempt to hurt Ari Mahmod.
'Almost all statements left no doubts the allegation of rape was with Ari's blessing. In the Islamic community rape is taboo — it is the highest level of crime.'
Banaz, from Mitcham, South London, was raped and strangled in January 2006. Her body was taken to Birmingham and buried under a patio.
Banaz's father Mahmod Mahmod and his brother Ari were convicted of murder in 2007 and got life with a minimum of 20 and 23 years.
Her cousin Mohammad Hama pleaded guilty and got 17 years. In 2010 two more cousins were found guilty of murder and got 22 and 21 years.
It was unclear why Ari Mahmod was allowed to sue as convicted murderers normally have no reputation to defend.
Barrister Ben Gallop, representing ITV, said: 'The claimant is a convicted murderer.
"This is rare for a claim of libel as the possibility of any damage to his reputation is limited due to his pre-existing bad reputation.'
Mr Gallop said viewers who believed Mahmod ordered the rape would be choosing to select the 'worst possible' meaning of the programmes.
A judgment in the case is expected next month.
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