Remembering Hatun Sürücü: 20 Years Since a Shocking Honor Killing in Berlin

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On February 7, 2025, Germany commemorates the 20th anniversary of the murder of Hatun Sürücü, a 23-year-old German-Turkish woman who was shot by her brother at a Berlin bus stop. According to Neukölln district mayor Martin Hikel, Sürücü's tragic death highlighted the persistent issues of forced marriages, femicide, and honor killings impacting women in patriarchal structures.

Sürücü had fled an arranged marriage in Turkey, returned to Berlin, and pursued a life of independence, which her family disapproved of. Her murder sparked national outrage and discussions about societal norms concerning gender violence. The event will be marked with a central memorial ceremony near the former Tempelhof airport.

Newer cases, including a brother sentenced for murdering his sister to restore the family's honor, demonstrate that violence against women remains a pressing issue. In Germany, 938 women were victims of attempted or completed femicide in 2023, highlighting the urgent need to address gender-based violence.

Activists stress the importance of continued dialogue to combat these societal issues, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding women's rights and promoting equality.

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