Honor killing in Iran: Maryam Soleimani (28) murdered by her father and two brothers in Eland Khoy region

Maryam Soleimani
age: 28
murdered: April 14, 2023
Location: Qezel Akh, Aland Khoy region, Iran
Origin: Iran
Children: 3
Perpetrator: her father and brothers
Excuse: "honor"

Maryam Soleimani, a 28-year-old woman from the village of Qezel Akh in Iran, was murdered by her father and two brothers on April 14, 2023. The incident took place in the Aland region, near the town of Khoy. Maryam's long hair was shaved off and she was severely beaten, tortured and eventually hanged.

It is suspected that the murder was committed because of "honor." According to local human rights organizations, Maryam was murdered because a private film of her was distributed. In response, she was invited by her father to his home. Maryam was 15 years old when she was forced into marriage and had been living with her husband in Khoy ever since. She had three children.

This heinous act is a violation of human rights and highlights the urgent need for action against femicide in Iran. Iranian authorities must take responsibility for ending femicide and impose long prison sentences on the perpetrators.

What is an honour killing?

An honour killing is a murder in the name of honour. If a brother murders his sister to restore family honour, it is an honour killing. According to activists, the most common reasons for honour killings are as the victim:

refuses to cooperate in an arranged marriage.
wants to end the relationship.
was the victim of rape or sexual assault.
was accused of having a sexual relationship outside of marriage.

Human rights activists believe that 100,000 honour killings are carried out every year, most of which are not reported to the authorities and some are even deliberately covered up by the authorities themselves, for example because the perpetrators are good friends with local policemen, officials or politicians. Violence against girls and women remains a serious problem in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Serbia and Turkey.