Iran is facing increasing scrutiny over its justice system as the number of women executed in the country reaches historic levels. According to human rights organizations, 40 women have been put to death in 2024 alone-the highest recorded number in recent history-surpassing the previous peak of 31 executions in 2023. The surge in capital punishment is raising concerns about systemic discrimination and the request of the law, particularly in cases involving women from marginalized communities.
Iran has seen a dramatic increase in the number of women executed this year,
reaching a record high, according to human rights organizations. The surge
in executions underscores growing concerns about the country’s justice system
and its treatment of women.
So far in 2024, 40 women have been put to death, the highest number
recorded in recent history. Last year, 31 women were executed, which was
previously the highest tally.
“As long as we have been monitoring the death penalty in Iran, the numbers
have never been this high. The highest number was last year, with 31 women
executed. So far this year, it’s 40 women. It’s a dramatic change,” said
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights.
Amiry-Moghaddam warned that Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old woman who was a
child bride, is at immediate risk of becoming part of the grim statistics.
Kouhkan was sentenced to death for killing her abusive husband in 2018. She
was forced into marriage with a relative at the age of 12 and became
pregnant at 13, giving birth to a son.
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Must Pay “Blood Money”
Kouhkan now faces a deadline in December to pay “blood money” – financial
compensation to the victim’s family – to avoid execution.
“The husband’s family has said they are willing to forgive Goli if she pays
them an amount equivalent to one million kroner in blood money, which she
obviously does not have. Many people are now trying to help her,”
Amiry-Moghaddam said.
Kouhkan’s case falls under “qisas,” a system where the victim’s family
determines the punishment: retribution through the death penalty,
forgiveness, or financial compensation.
Amiry-Moghaddam said Kouhkan’s case embodies many of the factors common to
Iranian women sentenced to death:
- A minority and impoverished
- Married off at a young age
- Left to fend for herself
- Subjected to domestic violence/abuse
“Like many other Iranian women, Goli is a victim of discriminatory laws, a
discriminatory system, and a discriminatory society,” Amiry-Moghaddam said.
Kouhkan belongs to the Baluch minority group, which comprises
2 percent
of Iran’s population. Amiry-Moghaddam said Kouhkan is at the very bottom of
the social ladder in Iran.
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Killed in a Struggle
Iran Human Rights claims Kouhkan’s husband subjected her to years of
physical and psychological abuse.
Amiry-Moghaddam explained that the husband died during a struggle in which
his cousin attempted to defend both Kouhkan and their five-year-old son.
“She came in and saw her husband beating their five-year-old son. The
husband’s cousin was also present, and a fight broke out. The husband was
critically injured, and they called an ambulance, but it was too late. Both
she and the cousin were sentenced to death for killing the husband,”
Amiry-Moghaddam said.
Ziba Baktyari is a member of Bramsh, an organization advocating for the
rights of Baluch minority women. Baktyari believes Kouhkan’s case is not
isolated.
“Baluch women, and women in general, are vulnerable targets for the regime.
No one knows about them, no one cares about them, and their voices are
never heard. Women have no rights. They must obey their husbands and are
kept away from school,” Baktyari told
The Guardian
.
“Families marry off girls because of poverty. They cannot provide for
them,” Baktyari said.
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Record Number of Executions
Amiry-Moghaddam said the number of executions in Iran in 2024 is at a
record high. As of now,
the total stands at 1,365
executions, according to Iran Human Rights.
“I would call it an extraordinary situation, even for Iran.”
“Why is this happening now?”
“Because the Iranian regime is in a deep crisis, and the only way to
maintain power is to spread fear. The death penalty is the most important
instrument for spreading fear. Now, countries that are concerned about
democracy and have diplomatic ties with Iran are most focused on the nuclear
program and other issues. So, the regime is taking advantage of the
situation to execute as many people as possible,” he said.
“It is striking that the international community is not reacting more
strongly. We haven’t seen numbers this high in more than 30 years,”
Amiry-Moghaddam said.
ACTIVIST: Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights (IHR),
has been tracking Iranian executions for many years.
Photo: Javad Parsa
