Actress In Harry Potter Movies Nearly Victim of Honor Killing

Afshan Azad, the actress who plays Padma Patil in the Harry Potter movies was allegedly attacked and threatened by her father and brother over Azad's relationship with an unnamed man. The brother is also accused of assaulting her.

Afshan Azad, 22, who has appeared in four of the blockbuster movies as Padma Patil, is now believed to be staying with friends in London.

Her father Abdul Azad, 54, and brother Ashraf Azad, 28, both of Longsight in Manchester, were arrested and charged.

Both are accused of threatening to kill her.

Ashraf Azad is also accused of assaulting his sister causing her actual bodily harm.

They appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and the case was adjourned until July 12 for committal proceedings to crown court.

They had been in custody until this week’s court appearance when they were bailed.

As part of their bail conditions, they have to abide by an 11pm to 6am curfew and must not travel to London or contact an unnamed man.

Miss Azad lived with her father, mother Nilofar and her three brothers.

This has all the hallmarks of a threatened honor killing. Honor killings are common in parts of South Asia, including among Bengalis (the region straddling Bangladesh and India). It is also common among Muslim populations.

Here's hoping that both her father and brother are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Despite moving to the UK, some population groups cling to these barbaric notions of family dishonor and hope to impose all manner of restrictions and strictures on women. Those who don't toe that strict line are subject to violence, as in Azad's case.