The story: The reported ‘honor killing' of a 22-year-old Iraqi YouTube star at the alleged hands of her father is sending shockwaves across the country. The killing took place only days after Tiba Al-Ali reportedly accused her brother of sexually harassing her. Amid an international outcry, the United Nations has urged Baghdad to take further measures to criminalize gender-based violence.

The coverage: The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Feb. 5 slammed the killing of Ali as “a regretful reminder of the violence and injustice” against women, and urged Baghdad to prevent alleged impunity for perpetrators.

• UNAMI also called on Baghdad to repeal Articles 41 and 409 of the Iraqi Penal Code which respectively permit a husband to “punish” his spouse and set a penalty not exceeding 3 years in jail for any man who kills “his wife or mahram” over alleged adultery.
  
  
• Of note, a mahram is a family member with whom marriage is unlawful, such as a mother, sister or daughter.

The killing of Ali prompted rallies on Feb. 5 outside the supreme judicial council’s headquarters in Baghdad, and Diwaniyah Governorate where Ali was killed. Amid the public backlash...