The term "political killing" is commonly used to refer to the murder of individuals who are targeted because of their political beliefs or affiliations. The word "political" is pronounced /pə'lɪtɪkəl/, with stress on the second syllable, while "killing" is pronounced /ˈkɪlɪŋ/, with stress on the first syllable. The combination of these two words is pronounced as /pə'lɪtɪkəl ˈkɪlɪŋ/. The pronunciation of this term may vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects.
Political Killing, also known as assassination or targeted killing, refers to the intentional act of causing the death of an individual, usually a prominent figure, which is motivated by political reasons or aims. It is an act of violence carried out by an individual or a group with the objective of eliminating a specific person who holds political power, influence, or opposing ideologies. This form of violence seeks to promote or further political agendas, advance specific ideologies, or bring about socio-political change.
Political killings can be perpetrated by both state actors, such as governments or intelligence agencies, as well as non-state actors like rebel groups or extremist organizations. The targets may include politicians, government officials, activists, journalists, or other individuals who are seen as threats or obstacles to a particular political objective. The motivations behind political killings can be varied, including suppressing dissent, maintaining power, silencing opposition, or disrupting social stability.
This form of violence has been prevalent throughout history and has often been a method employed during times of political turmoil, ideological conflicts, or power struggles. Political killings can have significant and far-reaching consequences, often inciting further violence, unrest, or political instability. They are widely condemned by the international community as they violate fundamental human rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and freedom of association.
Efforts have been made at national and international levels to prevent and punish political killings, strengthen judicial systems, and protect individuals from politically motivated violence. These measures aim to safeguard democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The term "political killing" is a combination of two words: "political" and "killing".
The word "political" is derived from the Latin word "politica" or "politicus", which in turn comes from the Greek word "polis" meaning "city" or "community". It originally referred to anything concerning the affairs, policies, or governance of a city-state or a community.
The word "killing" comes from the Old English word "cyllan" or "cwellan", which means "to cause the death of". It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "kwel-" which conveys the same meaning.
When these two words are combined, "political killing" refers to the act of causing the death of someone for political reasons. It signifies an act of violence or murder that is driven by political motivations or goals, often targeted at individuals who hold political power or influence.