27th February 2025
During a police search for the body of Rania Alayed, human remains have been discovered. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that while official identification is yet to take place, the remains are ‘strongly suspected’ to be Rania. Her family has been informed of the development.
Rania was murdered by her abusive husband 12 years ago. Though he was convicted in June 2014, her body was never found. This week, following new information, police launched a fresh search near the A19 in Thirsk, an area that has been searched several times over the years.
A mother of three, Rania was killed in 2013 at the age of 25. She moved to the UK in 2005 with her husband but endured years of domestic abuse and violence. After bravely reporting him to the police and beginning an independent life following their separation, she was tragically murdered after only a few months.
Her son Yazan said the discovery had “come as a surreal surprise to me and my family”. “Being able to provide a final resting place is all we have wanted.” “To have the ability to lay down a few flowers for my mother is more than I can ask for from this world.” he said.
Being able to provide a final resting place is all we have wanted.
During his trial, her husband claimed she had appeared as an “evil apparition,” but testimony at Manchester Crown Court revealed his increasingly jealous and controlling behaviour. He viewed Rania as having become “too Westernised,” a common justification used in cases of HBA. Just weeks before her death, Rania expressed fears that her husband would kill her. She later became the victim of an honour killing.
Rania’s case highlights the urgent need for greater recognition of Honour-Based Abuse and the dangers victims face when adequate support and protection are not in place. In cases handled by our helpline where known triggers of abuse were identified, 4% of victims were accused of being “too Westernised” and 27% were separated. Rania’s case showed clear warning signs of HBA, which required a more robust intervention. While identifying HBA earlier cannot change what happened to Rania, it is a crucial first step in tackling these crimes effectively and ensuring better protection for future victims.
At Karma Nirvana, we are campaigning for a statutory definition of Honour-Based Abuse, supported by statutory guidance, to protect people like Rania. Our helpline is available Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, which supports victims and survivors of Honour Based Abuse, as well as professionals supporting victims. Our thoughts remain with Rania’s family, and we hope that this discovery brings them some measure of closure, allowing them to finally lay her to rest.
Rania is featured on our Interactive Map of Honour Based Abuse Deaths in the UK, and Karma Nirvana recently supported a documentary discussing details of her case. Learn more via the links below.