LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Reports of so-called "honor" crimes committed by families have risen in London during the last several years, authorities said.
The cases involved intimidation, attempts to force marriage and attacks against people believed to have dishonored their family or community, London's Evening Standard reported Monday.
The number of incidents reported in London rose from 161 cases in 2007 to 256 cases last year with 211 cases reported in the first six months of this year, Scotland Yard officials said.
While more victims are coming forward to report crimes, the rise in reports also is attributed to an increase in violence and religious fundamentalism, said Diana Nammi of the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organization.
In July, the suspected lover of a married Muslim woman was splashed with acid, blinded in one eye and had part of his tongue cut out. Last month, a mother of two was hacked to death with a sword in what police said was an honor killing. Arrests were made in both cases.
