Memorial bench unveiled in Edinburgh for pregnant woman Fawziyah Javed who was murdered by her husband

A memorial bench has been unveiled in Edinburgh in honour of a pregnant woman who was murdered by her husband.

Fawziyah Javed was on a mini break in Edinburgh in September 2021 with her husband Kashif Anwar, 29, when she fell from a height on Arthur’s Seat.

The 31-year-old lawyer from Leeds, who was 17-weeks pregnant, managed to tell passers-by that she had been pushed by her partner before she died.

Anwar was subsequently found guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh of her murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The court heard that Anwar pushed Ms Javed because she wanted to end the marriage.

Memorial bench for Fawziyah Javed STV News

Karma Nirvana, a charity that provides support to people impacted by honour-based abuse, alongside the City of Edinburgh Council unveiled a memorial bench at Arthur’s Seat to commemorate Ms Javed’s life.

“This bench will serve as a lasting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose life was tragically cut short but whose spirit continues to inspire all who knew her,” the charity said.

“As we remember Fawziyah through this event, we renew our commitment to supporting victims and their families and advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.

“This bench serves not only as a tribute to Fawziyah Javed but also as a call to action.

“It is a reminder that we must continue to raise awareness and empower individuals to break free from all forms of abuse.”

Karma Nirvana described Ms Javed as an “exceptionally intelligent, resilient, and compassionate” person and a “beacon of kindness, generosity, and selflessness”.

The charity said it welcomed moves by the Scottish Government – as part of its plans to address violence against women and girls – to take a specific approach to tackling honour-based abuse.