‘Honour' killer sues ITV over rape claim
Ari Mahmod is one of five men serving life in jail for the murder of Banaz Mahmod, 20, after she was raped by her cousins before being strangled.
She had left an abusive forced marriage with an older man and started a relationship with someone else before her murder.
Now, Mahmod, 69, is suing ITV for libel over Honour, a 2020 drama starring Keeley Hawes, and a 2012 documentary about the case.
He claims that while 'honour' murders are acceptable in Iraqi Muslim culture, the rape accusations have ruined his reputation.
Representing himself, he told the High Court he had been attacked in jail and his family had suffered reprisals.
Speaking via video-link 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 in a case which shocked the country. Her body was taken to Birmingham and buried under a patio.
Her father, Mahmod Mahmod, and his brother Ari, were convicted of murder in 2007 and were handed life sentences with a minimum of 20 and 23 years respectively.
Her cousin Mohammad Hama pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 17 years. In 2010, two more cousins were found guilty of murder and jailed for 22 and 21 years.
Ben Gallop, the barrister 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.
ITV News was contacted for comment.
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