Though the life sentence in Germany is only 15 years, meaning this murderer will be out of prison by the time he's 40, it's an improvement over the 9 year sentence given to the last person accused of "honor" murder.
A German court on Friday convicted a 25-year-old man of murder and sentenced him to life in prison for the honor killing of his sister.
A state court found Ali Karabey, a German citizen of Turkish origin, guilty of shooting his 20-year-old sister, Gonul, to death in the western city of Wiesbaden in June 2005 to prevent her from marrying her German boyfriend.
The verdict comes amid a growing discussion in Germany about how to better integrate immigrants, especially Muslims, into German society and ensure that they respect its laws. The nation was rocked last year by a flurry of similar honor killings that added to the urgency of the debate.
According to the court, Karabey tracked down his victim to a garden shed belonging to her boyfriend's family after she ran away from home.
The court said his sister agreed to meet him after he assured her that he meant her no harm and told her boyfriend that he would help arrange their marriage.
It said Karabey fired at her repeatedly after persuading the boyfriend to leave them alone in the hut.
Defense lawyers had argued for a manslaughter conviction, contending that Karabey, a German citizen of Turkish origin, shot his sister in the heat of the moment during a row that had nothing to do with her marriage plans.
Under German law, convicts serving life sentences can be released after 15 years.
It was unclear if Karabey would appeal the verdict.
Source: International Herald Tribune (English)
See also: Germany: 9 years for 'honor' murder
