Beheading Of Muslim TV Exec Spurs Questions

from National Public Radio

Muzzammil "Mo" Hassan and his wife, Aasiya Hassan, founded Bridges TV, a cable channel dedicated to breaking down stereotypes against Muslims. He is now charged with her beheading.

Carolyn Thompson of The Associated Press says it is unclear whether Aasiya Hassan's death was an honor killing, as women's rights groups have alleged, or if it was a nonreligious crime, as Islamic leaders insist.

"The irony of this case is that ... the Hassans were so vocal about wanting to dispel all those stereotypes," against Islam, Thompson says. "That was really the reason behind starting this Bridges TV to begin with."

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, February 20, 2009