In a tragic incident in Zahle area, Beqaa Governorate, Lebanon, a Lebanese man named Shebl Abu Najm took the life of a woman named Maria Hatta by shooting her, after she refused to marry him. Subsequently, Shebl ended his own life in a parking lot of a restaurant.
According to reports, Shebl waited until Maria emerged from the restaurant and got into her car. He then approached her car, stepped out, and aimed his gun at her head, tragically ending her life with a gunshot. It was revealed that Maria declined his proposal because he was already married and a father.
Maria was known for her strong faith and love for the church, being referred to as the “daughter of the church” who spread love and joy among everyone. She actively participated in various activities organized by the Mar Elias-Taalabaya Youth.
According to her schoolmate at Zahle Public High School, Shebl had been pursuing Maria and had even threatened to kill her prior to the tragic incident.
Further, it was mentioned that Maria had previously experienced a failed marriage about ten years ago when she married a man who turned out to be a swindler. They separated shortly afterward as he claimed to have to flee the country due to debt, leaving her burdened with the financial responsibility, which she worked diligently to repay.
The heart-wrenching incident adds to the alarming statistics of violence against women in Lebanon. According to the Facebook page of the “KAFA (enough) Violence & Exploitation” organization, the number of women killed in 2023 has reached 12, with six attempted murders and seven suicides, highlighting the ongoing issue of spousal violence in the country.
courtesy by Gulf Today
