Woman murdered by man in Pakdasht: police cite ‘honor’ as motive

Unnamed woman
age: 37
Murdered: April, 2023
Location: Pakdasht, Tehran
Origin: Iran
Children: -
Perpetrator: her husband
Excuse: "Honor"

In April 2023, a femicide took place in the city of Pakdasht in Tehran province, Iran. According to the Harana news agency, a 37-year-old woman was murdered by her husband, citing her relationship with another man as the motive.

After investigation by Pakdasht police, the suspect confessed to committing the murder by beating his wife on the head with a stick and dismembering her body and burying it in the desert around Pakdasht.

The woman's dismembered body was later found by investigators. The victim's body was transferred to the forensic department for further investigation.

This tragic incident is yet another sad example of femicide and honor-based violence in Iran and underscores the urgent need for action.

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.