Honour killing in Iran: Woman stabbed to death by ex-husband in Damavand

Unnamed Woman
Age: 39
Stabbed to death: June 30, 2023
Residence: Damavand, Tehran
Children: two
Excuse: “Honour”

According to Etamed Online, a 39-year-old woman in Damavand was stabbed to death by her ex-husband because of “honour”. The report reveals that the man's reason for committing the murder was his ex-wife's involvement with another man.

During questioning, it was revealed that the ex-husband believed his ex-wife's relationship with another man had brought dishonour to their family. This belief compelled him to carry out this heinous act.

Upon his arrest, the ex-husband confessed to the crime, stating, "After our separation, we maintained contact due to our two children. During a recent trip to Damavand, I discovered private photos and videos on her mobile phone that revealed her close involvement with another man. Overwhelmed by emotions and under the influence of alcohol, I stabbed her to death with a knife. Subsequently, I buried her body in a pit in Damavand. I attempted suicide by consuming pills, but passersby alerted emergency services, saving my life."

Following the ex-husband's confession, the police located the victim's body buried in a pit in Damavand. The remains were transferred to the forensic medicine department for further examination.

The victim's family has requested the death penalty for the accused.

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.