Arrest Made in Case of Laila Goli Dashiri (18), Who Was Burned Alive in Zanjan, Iran

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Leila Goli Dashiri
Age: 18 years old
Burned: 31 May 2023
Residence: Khodabandeh, Zanjan
Origin: Iran
Children: None
Perpetrator: Her suitor
A tragic femicide took place in Khodabandeh county, located in the heart of Zanjan province, on May 31. Leila Goli Dashiri, an 18-year-old resident of Khodabandeh, met a horrifying fate when she was attacked in front of a government office where she was employed. Reports indicate that she was confronted by a man who had been pursuing her romantically, and after she rejected his advances for the third time, he resorted to an act of unspeakable violence. The perpetrator doused Leila with gasoline and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene.

Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders to extinguish the flames using fire extinguisher capsules, Leila suffered extensive burns on 90 percent of her body. She was swiftly rushed to Zanjan Hospital, but her injuries were so severe that she passed away immediately upon arrival.

The authorities were able to apprehend the perpetrator, who had attempted to flee the country. Police sources have confirmed that the man confessed to his heinous crime, revealing personal reasons as the motive for this brutal act. Acquaintances of the victim have come forward, shedding light on the fact that Leila had rejected a marriage proposal from the perpetrator, which evidently triggered his violent response.

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:

Questions about honour killings

  • 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.

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