User:Marioncrandle/sandbox

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Gjakmarrja (literally "blood-taking", i.e. "blood feud") or Hakmarrja ("revenge") refers to the social obligation to commit murder in order to salvage honour questioned by an earlier violation of any of the many core morals of Albanian culture.

This practice is generally seen as in line with the Albanian social code known as Kanuni i Lekë Dukagjinit, or simply the Kanun (comprised of 12 books and 1,262 articles[1]). The code was originally a "a non-religious code that was used by Muslims and Christians alike."[2]

Protecting ones honour is an essential component to Albanian culture because it is the core of social respectability.[1] Honour is held in very high regard because it translates over generations. Legacies and history are carried in the family names of Albanians and must be held in high priority, even at the cost of ones life. Therefore, when a personal attack of a formidable manitude is unleashed on a member of any family, an equal punishment is to be expected by the laws of the Kanun.[1] Some of the actions that initiate gjakmarrja include "killing a guest while he was under the protection of the owner of the house, violation of private property, failure to pay a debt, kidnapping or the seduction or rape of a woman."[1] This often extends many generations if the debt is not paid. Those who choose not to pay with the lives of their family members live in shame and seclusion for the rest of their lives, imprisoned in their homes.[2]

Many Albanians see the courts as corrupt or ineffective, and prefer the perceived self-government offered by adherence to the Kanun, alongside state law.[2]

However, it is important to note that in recent years, there are more and more reports telling of vengeance murders veering farther and farther away from the original words of the Kanun. Women and children, previously excluded from the practice, are now being subjected to the same redemption murders. These forgotten rules breed misinterpretation of the Kanun and encourage the mindless killings of family members.

List of citations

Mattei, Vincenzo. "Albania: The dark shadow of tradition and blood feuds". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2019-11-11.

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/03/albania-dark-shadow-tradition-blood-feuds-160318033023140.html

https://www.operazionecolomba.it/docs/Report_ING-2017.pdf

https://www.rferl.org/a/1097705.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41901300