Another Yemen child bride has died after being tied up and sexually assaulted by her husband who was twice her age. 13 year old Ilham Mahdi al Assi died of internal injuries sustained when her “loving husband” forced himself on her just days after they were married. Stories about the deaths of Yemeni child brides are becoming more and more frequent.
Having child brides in Yemen and other Islamic countries is a customary practice. Marriages are arranged between families and girls as young as 11 or 12 are promised to older men. Last year a 12 year old Yemeni child bride died giving birth; this death however appears to be much more brutal in nature.
The United Nations child agency released a statement saying that they were “dismayed” about yet another child bride death. But it’s doubtful that they will step in and put the screws to anyone for fear of seeming to be anti-Muslim.
A law in Yemen was repealed that set the minimum age for marriage at 17. The law was deemed un-Islamic. Child brides are preferred due to their penchant for obeying the husband; in essence they’re less likely to speak their mind and disgrace the family.
Ilham Mahdi al Assi’s brother made the arrangement with Abed al-Hikmi in order not to pony up large child bride prices. Assi’s brother was promised al-Hikmi’s sister as well. Fox reports that al-Hikmi took his new wife to a medical clinic asking the doctors there to give her tranquilizers so that she could not resist his sexual advances. Sounds like a real upstanding guy.
Police say that he [al-Hikmi] felt under pressure to consummate the relationship, seems his manhood was in question. The girl’s mother had also asked her to give in and have intercourse in order not to shame the family. What is it with these people and shaming the family? Looks to me like the family has already been shamed when you give up your daughter as a child bride; once that marriage takes place her childhood is gone.
Several human rights groups along with the United Nations are currently trying to apply pressure on the government of Yemen. Child brides should be outlawed they say, and I agree. The problem is the pressure those governments receive from religious leaders on the other side outweighs pressure from UNICEF or the UN.
April 11th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
[...] Yemen Child Bride 13, Raped, Killed By Husband » Right Pundits [...]
April 12th, 2010 at 6:46 am
There are no words. This is just heartbreaking. Barbarians.
April 12th, 2010 at 7:38 am
Sure, the UN ?
Its a tough one because if by any chance Obama is honestly seeking help from the Yemens to deal with the growing radicalism there he cant really speak out against anything like this without that being a threat to relations, if there are actually any viable ones. Who knows, he says the Yemen government has vowed to help him but what good is either of their words ?
I want to believe that true Islamic theocracy is one of peace but crap like this just makes me back up and say hmmm.
These people are making themselves and everyone around miserable because for centuries they’ve insisted on theocratic dictatorships. Most of these countries are like third world hell holes and they cant understand why. Or they do understand and have little regard for those in this life.
Bad enough as my impressions of Islam are becoming when children start taking the brunt of this insanity I’m beginning to feel like discounting the whole religion as not really one of peace.
The guy was just an insecure little punk child molester using his religion to get his ya yas off.
April 12th, 2010 at 8:39 am
It is difficult to make changes in a country that has such different cultural norms and values. I think it is important to note that women are even divided on the issue as this video points out: http://www.newsy.com/videos/death-of-child-bride-raises-questions-in-yemen
April 12th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Well Paige, unfortunately that report only confirms that these peoples religion does nothing to take into consideration the rights of another human being.
As the reporter said “most Yemens see nothing wrong with this.
Okay, as a 10 year old bride being customary maybe thats their best argument. But the beating ?
These people cant see that they abusing half of their society (the women)to the point that it effects the countries ability to conduct commerce. The women are allowed no say so in any matters, rarely get educated and if so are educated limited in their applications at the work place.
Theres plenty of religions out there that have practiced such acts in past centuries but have moved on with the times .
These people want to maintain the status quo of a 16th century type rule. And they’re perverts.
Why would a man want a ten year old bridefor any reason other than sex ? She cant raise children, shes still one herself. I doubt shesable to do many domestic chores other than be naked andbarefoot in the kitchen.
What viable contributions could she make to the marriage other than being some perverts dream ?
April 12th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Micky,
I think it’s important for you to differentiate between the culture and the religion. The writer of this article has also made gross generalisation by saying child brides are common is Islamic countries. This is in fact, untrue. It is important for us to learn Islamic history or religion so that we can figure out which is which and tackle the problem at its roots. No doubt these people are using the excuse that it is the example set by the prophet Muhammad, but they have failed to understand (or are just ignorant) that Muhammad did not start sexual relations with Aisyah until she was much older. Studying Islam revealed countless examples of the elevated status of women which surprisingly contradicts what is going on in many Muslim countries now. This is confusing to say the least, which makes me think what is going on in Yemen is a strong cultural ritual, committed under the pretext of following the religion.
April 13th, 2010 at 5:53 am
Samuel, I hope what you are saying is true – that this practice is uncommon – but let me ask you a question. Is it illegal? Will the man who raped this poor child face any real punishment?
If not, then I would say that while this might not be a common practice, it’s not exactly deterred or frowned upon – and that is a sick and wrong aspect of their “culture.”
Also, doesn’t this sort of thing go on in Saudi Arabia? I’ve heard similar news articles. Disgusting that we not only do business with such people, our presidents actually pay court to their leaders (yes, both Bush and Obama!)
April 13th, 2010 at 6:47 am
Sam.
Did you view any of the videos ?
Culture, religion, whatever. Thereporter said that the majority of Yemens see nothing wrong with this custom/practice/perversion.
Even here in America Muslim women are subjected to the rule of their homelands brand of Sharia with honor killings and being treated like serfs.
And where the hell are the feminists and bleeding heart human rights activists right now ?
Protesting Gitmo ? Walking around some N. Pacific state topless btching because men are staring at their boobs ?
April 13th, 2010 at 8:32 am
micky, the article does state at the end that several human rights groups are pressuring the Yemen government. And, I know there are women’s groups that have long been involved in human rights issues for women in countries like Afghanistan in particular.
April 13th, 2010 at 8:33 am
The ignorance around her never ceases to astound me.
Comparing the Islamic sects that condone such behaviors as child marriage and abuse of women would be akin to comparing the FLDS Mormons and their child brides and polygamy to the rest of Christianity.
The “husband” of this child should be punished. The practice of child marriages should be stopped.
But those of you who use an tragedy such as this to promote your narrow-minded agendas should be stopped as well. Your ignorance is a threat to this country.
April 13th, 2010 at 8:50 am
yeah Ginnie, I’m sure that those who care are making their efforts, I’m just hearing enough about it.
Instead I hear these morons btching about boobs and Palin.
I’m sure they’re commited and doing their damdest but still after all the “law in Yemen was repealed that set the minimum age for marriage at 17. The law was deemed un-Islamic.”
As long as Islam dictates law in thr middle east we’ll continue to see this. I’m really pessimistic about this and wont go into it nmuch further because I have some serious doubts about a religion that has kept almost every country under its thumb in 3rd world conditions far too long. I have some not so nice things to say about this culture/religion.
I dont care how much anyone tells me its a religion of peace. Everything it touchs seems to turn to sht
April 13th, 2010 at 8:52 am
“I’m sure that those who care are making their efforts, I’m just hearing enough about it.”
sorry, should say;
“I’m sure that those who care are making their efforts, I’m just “NOT” hearing enough about it.
April 13th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Hey TA.
My agenda applies to any child.
Regardless of religion or politics. So I sure as hell hope your reference to ignorance had nothing to do with me.
The fact of the matter, unfortunately, is that this is about and does boil down to religion.
The majority of Chritian denominations have progressed past the behaviors of the crusades. Islam remains what it was from the start. So please, spare me he Christian relation to this.
Even most Mormons today have denounced child marriage and polygamy except for he few loons setting up compounds that use it only for their sexual needs
April 13th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Micky, my comments are right at you, and others.
“The fact of the matter, unfortunately, is that this is about and does boil down to religion.” Totally ignorant statement. It boils down to government, or the lack thereof, and a bastardization of a religion by a few that is IN EVERY WAY comparable to the FDLS bastardization of Christianity.
Can you not grasp that the Muslim world extends beyond Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other extreme regimes? That most of the Muslim world is against and in fact horrified by the extremists who claim to commit atrocities in the name of their religion? And that most mainstream Muslims (and I realize seeing those two words side by side is difficult for you – deal with it) who take issue with the US do so not because they “hate our freedom” but because they can not accept our ignorance and intolerance? And that this complete lack of understanding is a threat to our nation because it turns our allies against us???
We had the entire world supporting us after 9/11. We squandered that support – I should say our government did – with our hostilities and our intolerance.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:13 am
TA
“Can you not grasp that the Muslim world extends beyond Saudi Arabia, Yemen and other extreme regimes? That most of the Muslim world is against and in fact horrified by the extremists who claim to commit atrocities in the name of their religion? ”
Yeah, and I’m wondering why I havent head the outrage from the Mainstrean Muslim population that I think should be deserving of this.
I detest organized religion although I am a Christian.
But had an American christian commited this act or somdething like911 American christians would be out in force screaming “This guy does not speak for us”.
Now sure, I’ve heard the occasional blurb from Muslims claiming that Islam has bee hijacked bt radicals.
largely, I’m very disappointed with Mulims responses to thi kind of crap.
“We had the entire world supporting us after 9/11. We squandered that support – I should say our government did – with our hostilities and our intolerance.”
Oh please, give me a break.
We are still by far the most tolerant nation on the planet and have squandered nothing.
Even those in Indonesia, packed full of Amercan hating Muslims and radicals who were dancing on the roof after 911 recieved more aid from us than any other country.
What do you suggest we as a country can do to get a culture like this to stop these practices ?
I think thats more what this about rather than a bash America fest
April 13th, 2010 at 11:22 am
TA;
“with our hostilities and our intolerance”
You might to take a closer look at some the intolerance and hostilities that even moderate Islam condones.
Men rule.
Women are considered worth half or less than that of a man and treated like subserviant slaves.
Smacking your wife around is okay.
And as most in Yemen have said they’re okay with this girls marriage.
Penalty for conversion to any other faith is death.
You can lose your hand for eating with the wrong one.
Shall I continue ?
April 13th, 2010 at 11:30 am
TA: “Totally ignorant statement. It boils down to government, or the lack thereof, and a bastardization of a religion by a few that is IN EVERY WAY comparable to the FDLS bastardization of Christianity.”
In countries like Yemen and Saudi Arabia where the government basically sanctions such abominations, it’s a bit more than the bastardization of a religion by “a few.” The majority population of these countries seem to support these behaviors and practices.
That being said, can you tell me some countries with predominantly Islamic populations that not only abhor child marriages and rape, but punish the perps with lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty? I’m honestly asking for an answer to this question, I don’t know it myself.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:34 am
micky: “Instead I hear these morons btching about boobs and Palin.”
Unfortunately, if we want to hear what people are doing in this world in the realm of human rights, we have to proactively seek this information out, because the MSM isn’t going to go out of its way to tell us. Apparently, such news stories don’t bring skyrocketing ratings and advertising dollars. Boobs and Palin do.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:41 am
TA, to add to my last post…I wanted to better address your comments that these problems boil down to government, not religion. But aren’t they one and the same in some of these countries? For example, the religious leaders are also government leaders, or influence them very heavily. So the lines are rather blurred.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Men rule.
Women are considered worth half or less than that of a man and treated like subserviant slaves.
Smacking your wife around is okay.
And as most in Yemen have said they’re okay with this girls marriage.
Penalty for conversion to any other faith is death.
You can lose your hand for eating with the wrong one.
None of that is attributable to Islam – look it up. And not on Faux News. These beliefs are are cultural and or governmental, not religious.
There was outrage in the Muslim world post September 11, but sadly the US media – and I include the liberal media here – gave it scant coverage. They did choose to highlight the anti-US protests, which I agree were real, but not dominant. My point above was that we have since lost a great deal of moderate Muslim support, largely due to our own perceived intolerance.
Look, Islamic views are different than western and the religion – not the culture but the religion – is alien to many of us. I disagree with ANY religion that draws a line between the sexes. How about the orthodox Jews who dictate that women must wear wigs? How about the Mormons and Baptists who dictate what people can wear and have rules about dancing? You get what I’m talking about, I’m sure.
But what gets me crazy around here and takes me out of my usual lurk mode are blanket statements – like your words above – that encompass an entire faith and do not differentiate between that the extreme and the mainstream.
April 13th, 2010 at 11:50 am
@ Ginnie -
You are half right. Many of these countries are ruled by religious leaders claiming that their laws come straight from Islam. It is how the governments interpret these laws that creates a horrible gray area. Some, like Saudi Arabia, twist the law to subjugate and oppress. Imagine a Christian nation that took the Bible literally? “An eye for an eye…” And isn’t there something about stoning to death those who break a commandment?
April 13th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
TA;
“None of that is attributable to Islam – look it up. And not on Faux News. These beliefs are are cultural and or governmental, not religious. ”
So, that makes a difference ?
These practices are still widely acceptable.
Besides, I’ve debated enough Muslims to know that yes, most of this religious with the exception of honor killings which is something Muslims adopted from other cultures, India mainly.
Dont compare Muslims to Americans Christians, you’ll lose. American Christians do more work across the planet to help those less fortunate yet still intolerant with food, money, medical than any other religious sect there is.
Dont you remember the Indonesians rejecting aid from Americaafter the tsunami ? The espect for human life took a back seat to their hatred and intolerance, so just back off already
April 13th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
““An eye for an eye…” And isn’t there something about stoning to death those who break a commandment?”
A statement which proves my point has Christianity has progresed with the times.
Why is it that all these middle easten countries run by theocratic dictatorships are still 3rd world hell holes ?
Because their religion dictates their government, thats why. Sunni, Shia, it doesnt matter.
April 13th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Sorry Micky – I seem to have riled you into a loony froth.
But three thoughts. I’m recently back from Dubai. Hardly a third world hell hole. But while there I learned a lot, including the fact that all Muslims donate 10% a year to the poor. And I believe Israel is a religious state as well…. just saying.
I’m going back to lurk mode now.
April 13th, 2010 at 1:10 pm
TA;
“Sorry Micky – I seem to have riled you into a loony froth. ”
Oh, you pull Dubai, a highly concentrated area of American investment and oil and Israel, not a Muslim state but does allow them across their borders being tolerant of them, out of all the middle eastern countries that are 3rd world hell holes to controvert me and you call me loony ?
Heres the reality.
http://www.trends-magazine.com/trend.php/Trend/1781/Category/44
“Per capita, the people in the United States are perhaps the most generous in the world, as measured by what they give. In 1995, we gave three-and-a-half times more than the French, seven times more than the Germans, and fourteen times more than the Italians. Americans donate more of their time as well — 15 percent more than the Dutch, 21 percent more than the Swiss, and 32 percent more than the Germans. Those figures are adjusted for education, income, age, sex, and marital status. In other words, the American level of giving cannot be explained by saying that Americans simply have more money and time to give.”