Family of Zara Aleena back 'Face the Family' campaign

The family of murdered Ilford women Zara Aleena have signed a petition calling for more powers to make offenders have to appear in court for sentencing.

It comes after the 35-year-old law graduate’s killer refused to leave his cell for sentencing at the Old Bailey in December.

Today (21 April) Zara's aunt Farah Naz has called for people to join her in backing the 'Face the Family' campaign.

“My niece Zara Aleena was murdered, and the murderer did not attend the sentencing hearing,” Farah said.

“He did not take accountability for his actions; he did not have to face the music in the court room, and he was allowed to avoid facing the consequences of his actions and hearing the victims speak out about the impact that his heinous actions had on us.

“We need to change this, please sign the petition – sign the petition so offenders have to face the family.”

She added: “For my entire family it was really important – not just him facing the sentence hearing but also have to sit in the court room.

“For him to hear what he did, hear about the impact that he had, hear about the loss of Zara, hear a little bit about who Zara – this human being that he completely destroyed, hurt and put through pain – was.”

A petition for change is live now, you can sign it by clicking here.

• face the family