Kill with Impunity: How Iran’s Laws Enable ‘Honour’ Killings
New Age Islam News Bureau
13 May 2025
· Kill with Impunity: How Iran’s Laws Enable ‘Honora’ Killings
· Women's Freedom Movement Gives Call to End Detention of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
· HC Clears Way for Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman to Move Appeal Against Her Sentence in Graft Case
· UAE Gender Balance Council Highlights National Progress AtG20 Women’s Empowerment Meet In SA
· Bahrain's Parliamentary Delegation Participates InMuslim Women Parliamentarians Meeting
· Korea, Indonesia Join Hands To Empower Muslim Women Entrepreneurs
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/kill-impunity-iran-laws-honour/d/135521
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Kill with Impunity: How Iran’s Laws Enable ‘Honora’ Killings
MAY 12, 2025
MARYAM DEHKORDI
Across Iran, fathers, husbands, and male relatives continue to kill their daughters, wives, and family members with near impunity
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Across Iran, fathers, husbands, and male relatives continue to kill their daughters, wives, and family members with near impunity, protected by laws that treat the crimes as family matters rather than acts of violence.
The killers often receive short sentences and return to their lives, while their victims are buried and forgotten.
IranWire’s investigation into several recent cases reveals a chilling pattern: brutal murders, family involvement, and a justice system that consistently fails to protect the most vulnerable.
From beheadings to multiple stabbings, these killings share one common thread - the victims dared to exercise basic freedoms that their families deemed violations of “honor.”
In Iran, official bodies do not provide accurate statistics on femicides, though such incidents are reported in Iranian newspapers.
According to the Etemad newspaper, 78 women were murdered by their relatives or family members between March and September last year.
In 2023, Shargh newspaper reported that male family members killed at least 165 women between 2021 and 2023.
Of these, 27 women were murdered in the first three months of 2023 alone, with “honor killings” cited as a primary motive.
These figures reflect only reported murders - the actual number is likely much higher.
Donya Hosseini: Stabbed Multiple Times
IranWire has learned that the father of Donya Hosseini, a young woman who was stabbed multiple times on February 17 for requesting a divorce, has been released from prison after around three months of detention.
Donya’s father carried out the brutal attack, but her mother was also involved. On the day it happened, she told him, “Donya is home alone. I’m leaving so you can finish the job.”
The planned betrayal by both parents shows how deeply some families are involved in “honor killings,” with more than one relative often helping to plan or carry out the violence.
Ghazal Heydari: Beheaded by Husband and Brother-in-Law
Heydar Heydari, the cousin, brother-in-law, and accomplice in the murder of Ghazal Heydari, later ended his life.
Initially reported as suicide “due to guilt and not forgetting Ghazal’s face at the time of death,” Heydar’s sister later said the cause was actually “an argument between her brother and his father.”
The family connections in this case run deep and complex - Ghazal’s uncle, who was the father of both Sajjad (the primary killer) and Heydar, was also involved in returning her to the place where she was killed.
Ghazal Heydari, a young woman from Ahvaz, was beheaded by her cousin and husband, Sajjad Heydari, in February 2022.
At the time of the murder, Heydar Heydari, who was named as the second defendant in the case, was only 13 years old when he participated in the killing.
With the consent of the next of kin, he was sentenced to just 45 months of discretionary imprisonment for aiding in premeditated murder.
Sajjad Heydari, the main defendant, was also given a light sentence: 7.5 years for premeditated murder and 8 months for causing injury.
In June 2022, the judiciary spokesperson announced that Heydari’s family did not “demand execution.”
This announcement came despite JavadHeydari, Ghazal’s father, having previously said he “would not give consent” and had “filed a complaint” against Sajjad, his nephew and Ghazal’s husband.
A source close to the Heydari family told IranWire that Sajjad Heydari was released from prison shortly afterward, with the consent of the next of kin - Ghazal’s father.
After his release, Sajjad married another young woman in the family, continuing a cycle that puts more young women at potential risk.
FatemehBarihi: Her Throat Was Cut
At midnight on June 14, 2020, Habib Barihi, a 23-year-old resident of the Valiasr district of Abadan, walked into the city’s Police Station No. 11.
He confessed to killing his 19-year-old cousin, Fatemeh, who had been engaged to him a year earlier and had fled just two days after their engagement.
The murder weapon was a bloodied knife that he surrendered to police that same night.
Officers discovered FatemehBarihi’s body with her throat brutally cut. In the initial investigation, based on the severity of Fatemeh’s injuries, authorities suspected Habib likely had accomplices, but no witnesses could confirm this theory.
IranWire’s investigation shows that Habib Barihi, Fatemeh’s killer, was released on bail in August 2020, just three months after committing the murder. Immediately upon release, he married another girl from the tribe.
Fatemeh’s older sister, who is married to another cousin (Habib’s brother), had been subjected to domestic violence from the beginning of her marriage.
Witnessing her sister’s suffering was precisely why Fatemeh refused to enter Habib’s household.
In desperation, she fled with her mother’s help and went to Mashhad to work and escape her fate.
A source tells IranWire: “Fatemeh’s sister still lives in the killer’s house. She still doesn’t speak up despite her bruised body - all for the sake of her children. She also lost her only confidant, Fatemeh.”
The ripple effects of Fatemeh’s murder devastated her family.
According to reports received by IranWire, Fatemeh’s brother had been imprisoned years ago on murder charges after participating in a group fight with these same cousins and was facing execution.
“After Fatemeh fled, Habib’s family told her father that if he helped them find Fatemeh, they would get the consent of the victim’s family so his son wouldn’t be executed - but after they killed Fatemeh, they didn’t get consent, and Fatemeh’s brother was executed.”
Fatemeh’s father, who had used many tricks to bring her home and ultimately sacrificed her through compromise and silence, died of a heart attack a few months after his son’s execution while visiting Fatemeh’s grave.
Another “honor killing” had previously occurred in Fatemeh’s family.
Years ago, her aunt was killed by her brothers in collaboration with her husband’s family after she requested a divorce - an act they saw as a threat to the family’s “honor” because her husband was in prison for drug crimes.
Armin Ghalamchi: Stabbed to Death by His Father
IranWire has learned that a 23-year-old member of Iran’s LGBTQ community named Armin Ghalamchi from Zanjan was killed with multiple stab wounds by his father because the father considered his lifestyle “against family norms.”
A family member told IranWire, “Armin was cheerful, kind, and very polite. He worked in his father’s shop in the bazaar.
“One night, we were suddenly called and told that Armin had been killed in his car with six stab wounds.
“The funeral was held and time passed, but sometime later, his father was arrested on murder charges, and he confessed.”
The source confirmed that “Armin’s family had heard many times from his father that this son had ruined his reputation with his actions.
“His father repeatedly wished in front of family members that Armin would die or kill himself, just because he was queer.
“He also comes from a very well-known and wealthy family. His father spent barely a month in prison. Although the family cut ties with him, he continues to live without even being remorseful.”
The Legal Framework That Enables Impunity
The lack of deterrent punishment and the ineffectiveness of Iranian laws in dealing with “honor killings” have led to a growing number of such crimes in Iran.
Why has Iranian society turned to such extreme violence?
MarziehMohebbi, a lawyer, answers this question: “Honor killing is an issue within the framework of domination relationships, the subordination of women, the empowerment of men, and the patriarchal discourse of the Islamic Republic government.
“Therefore, when the system of domination facilitates the killing of women in this way, the same ruling system makes it possible for perpetrators and killers to escape.”
She refers to Article 301 of the Islamic Penal Code. According to this article, “A father or paternal grandfather who kills his child will not face execution and will only be sentenced to pay blood money to the heirs of the victim and discretionary punishment.”
Mohebbi believes that the Islamic Republic, through negligence in addressing these types of murders - especially in recent years, when their numbers have increased - has taken no action to stop the crimes.
“Why do I say such a thing? Because not only does it resist updating the penal laws, but it doesn’t even talk about them in its own media.
“Two people don’t come on state TV to say, ‘Gentlemen, don’t kill your women, this is a bad thing.’ They don’t even react at the level of a warning,” she said.
Source: iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/features/141121-kill-with-impunity-how-irans-laws-enable-honor-killings/
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Women’s Freedom Movement calls to end detension of Afghan refugee in Pakistan
By Fidel Rahmati
May 13, 2025
The Women’s Freedom Movement has called for an end to the detention of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, demanding immediate action.
The Afghan Women’s Freedom Movement has raised alarm over the widespread detention of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly affecting women, children, journalists, and human rights activists. The movement’s statement, issued on Monday, May 12, expresses deep concern about the treatment of refugees who fled Afghanistan to escape the threats posed by the Taliban.
According to the statement, these refugees are now facing the imminent danger of arrest, abuse, and even deportation back to Afghanistan. Many fled their homeland due to the oppressive regime and now face further harm in their host country.
The movement has called on the Pakistani government to immediately halt the detention of Afghan refugees and extend their visas to provide them with temporary security. The call highlights the urgency of protecting vulnerable individuals who have already suffered immense hardship.
Additionally, the Afghanistan Women’s Freedom Movement has urged international organizations and host countries to take swift action to prevent the forced return of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan. These refugees are in need of safe conditions and protection, and the movement is calling for humanitarian intervention.
The statement further warned that remaining silent in the face of these actions amounts to complicity in the tragic fate of refugees who have already fled the violence of the Taliban. These individuals now await global support and justice.
The movement has called for greater international attention to this growing crisis. Refugee protection is a fundamental human right, and the safety and dignity of Afghan refugees should be prioritized by all nations involved.
Human rights organizations around the world have echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of providing refuge and assistance to those fleeing conflict and persecution. The international community is now facing a critical moment in its response to the ongoing Afghan refugee crisis.
Source: khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/womens-freedom-movement-calls-to-end-detension-of-afghan-refugee-in-pakistan/
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HC Clears Way for Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman to Move Appeal Against Her Sentence in Graft Case
May 13, 2025
The High Court today cleared the way for Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, to move an appeal before the court challenging a lower court verdict that sentenced her to three years in prison in a graft case.
The HC bench of Justice MdKhasruzzaman condoned her (Zubaida) 587 days' delay for filing the appeal in the case.
According to the law, an appeal is supposed to be filed with the HC within 30 days after the trial court delivers judgement in any criminal case.
The bench passed the order following a petition filed by Zubaida, who returned to Bangladesh on May 6 after 17 years from London, seeking condonation of her delay in filing the appeal.
Zubaida's lawyer Barrister Kayser Kamal told reporters that an appeal will be moved before the HC soon on behalf of his client challenging the trial court verdict.
A group of lawyers Zainul Abedin, SM Shahjahan, AM Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Kayser and Maksud Ullah appeared for Zubaida while lawyer Ashif Hasan stood for the ACC.
On August 2, 2023, a Dhaka court sentenced Tarique to nine years' imprisonment and his wife Zubaida to three years jail sentence in the corruption case.
Tarique was also fined Tk 3 crore, in default of which he will have to serve three months more in jail.
The court fined Zubaida Tk 35 lakh.
If she fails to pay the money, she will have to serve one more month in prison, the trial court said in the verdict.
On September 26, 2007, the ACC filed the case with Kafrul Police Station against the two and Zubaida's mother Syeda Iqbal MandBanu, on charges of amassing assets worth Tk 4.82 crore through "illegal" means and concealing the information of Tk 2.16 crore in their wealth statements.
After a probe, the investigation officer pressed charges against the three on March 31, 2009.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/hc-clears-way-zubaida-move-appeal-against-her-sentence-graft-case-3893631
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UAE gender balance council highlights National Progress at G20 Women’s empowerment meet in SA
May 13 2025
Dubai, May 13: In a significant step toward fostering global dialogue on gender equality, the UAE Gender Balance Council showcased the nation's pioneering efforts in women's empowerment at the G20 Women's Empowerment Working Group meeting held in South Africa from May 8 to 9 under the country's G20 Presidency.
The UAE delegation, led by Mouza Mohammed Al Ghuwais Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Council, and Maitha Al Hashimi, Director of Strategic Studies and Legislation, underscored the country’s transformative strides in promoting gender balance across all sectors.
Focusing on key national achievements, the UAE presentation highlighted initiatives in eliminating gender-based violence, enhancing the care economy, and expanding financial inclusion. The Council also stressed the UAE’s strategic approach in increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, which has seen marked success across both government and private sectors.
Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, noted the strong alignment between the G20 Working Group’s goals and the UAE’s national agenda. She praised the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the Council, for her visionary guidance that has led to tangible progress in women’s empowerment.
“Through institutional support, progressive legislation, and targeted programmes, we have achieved major milestones in empowering women across government, business, technology, and the green economy,” said Al Marri.
During her address, Mouza Al Suwaidi highlighted that women now make up 50% of the Federal National Council, and hold about one-third of UAE Cabinet positions. She noted growing female representation in the judiciary, diplomatic service, and top executive roles, attributing this progress to strong policy backing and leadership support.
Al Suwaidi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to financial inclusion, pointing to constitutional rights and Central Bank policies that ensure equal access to credit, property ownership, and commercial participation for women. The 2018 Equal Pay for Equal Work Law was cited as a key enabler of economic parity.
She also elaborated on the UAE’s support for a growing care economy, marked by comprehensive policies including maternity and parental leave, remote work options, and on-site nurseries in government institutions. The establishment of the Ministry of Family Affairs in 2024 was hailed as a crucial step toward reinforcing family and societal stability.
The UAE’s robust legal and policy framework against gender-based violence was also emphasized, with Al Suwaidi affirming that women’s safety and well-being remain national priorities.
“The G20 platform allows us to share best practices and learn from one another,” she concluded. “We look forward to building a world where our daughters and sons enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal safety.”
On the sidelines of the event, Al Suwaidi held bilateral meetings with several dignitaries, including SindisiweChikunga (South Africa), Dr. Maimoona Al Khalil (Saudi Arabia), Anil Malik (India), Reinaldo Luther Yusak Lolong (Indonesia), Leow Sui Lin (Singapore), and Wendy Teleki, Head of the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative, to explore collaborations in gender policy and empowerment strategies.
Source: daijiworld.com
https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1280370
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Bahrain's parliamentary delegation participates in Muslim Women Parliamentarians meeting
13 May 2025
Jakarta, May 13 (BNA): Bahrain's parliamentary delegation participated in the 12th Session of the Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, held on the sidelines of the 19th session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) in Indonesia.
MP Jaleela Alawi Sayed Hassan, Chairperson of the Services Committee, emphasised that Bahraini women have become key contributors to the legislative process and decisions driving the Kingdom’s advancement across all sectors. She attributed this progress to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the backing of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
She highlighted the leading role of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King. The Council continues to promote women’s contributions through a dynamic national strategy and impactful initiatives that foster innovation and engagement.
The conference addressed several key topics, including a review of the 10th session’s report, women’s roles in resolving local and regional conflicts, and the protection of Muslim women and children in conflict zones, particularly in Palestine.
Alawi described the conference as a high-level platform for exchanging perspectives and aligning positions on issues affecting women in the Islamic world, reflecting the commitment of Muslim women parliamentarians to addressing key challenges facing women, families, and communities across OIC member states.
She highlighted the need to enhance women’s roles in decision-making through national policies and legislation that support their contributions to social cohesion, civil peace, and conflict resolution, affirming Bahrain’s commitment to these goals through its legislative and parliamentary frameworks based on equal opportunity and social justice.
Concerning the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Alawi stated that the continued aggression against civilians and the violations faced by women and children require Islamic parliaments to intensify their political and diplomatic action and coordinate their efforts in regional and international forums to convey the reality on the ground and call for international protection.
Alawi concluded by emphasising the importance of producing actionable recommendations from the conference, promoting effective parliamentary cooperation, and establishing an institutional network supporting women’s issues in OIC countries. She also called for clear mechanisms for follow-up and evaluation, and the regular and organised convening of future sessions.
She expressed the Bahraini legislative authority’s readiness to cooperate with parliamentarians from OIC states to advance shared objectives and enhance the legislative, developmental, and international standing of Muslim women.
Source: bna.bh
https://www.bna.bh/en/ConstitutionalCourttoconsiderConstitutionalCase1/BahrainsparliamentarydelegationparticipatesinMuslimWomenParliamentariansmeeting.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDkWjG28FXLKA8bu2rsz5Jiw%3D
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Korea, Indonesia join hands to empower Muslim women entrepreneurs
May 12, 2025
The Indonesian Muslim Women Entrepreneurs Association commemorated its 10th anniversary from May 4 to 6 in Jakarta, Indonesia, showcasing a vision for future cooperation between women, technology and businesses across borders.
The event gathered over 700 attendees, including IPEMI President Ingrid Kansil and senior Indonesian government officials. The gathering served as a platform to recognize the organization’s achievements over the past decade and to outline a roadmap for the next 10 years.
Notably, Lee Gwang-yeon, chairman of Pasifik Korea, proposed a forward-looking digital strategy to strengthen the IPEMI community and support its business development.
Lee introduced two digital platforms under development — IPEMI Ummah, a nonprofit community platform fostering trust and knowledge-sharing, and IPEMI Tijarah, a business-focused e-commerce platform designed to expand members’ commercial reach.
“These platforms represent the next phase of connection and sustainability, not only for Korea and Indonesia but also for the global Muslim business community,” said Lee.
Both platforms, spearheaded by Lee and his organization PK CNHI, are set to undergo testing in Korea this year and will be officially launched for IPEMI members in 2026.
As part of this broader collaborative effort, Lee also introduced Moon Jun-ho, CEO of Sune Korea and a key technological partner.
Moon, a veteran in global finance and M&A, presented two initiatives aligned with this vision — PK HalalPay, an ethical digital finance project co-developed with blockchain firm Medito, and IU.ai, an AI-powered startup platform designed to simplify e-commerce business creation.
Additionally, Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, Nasaruddin Umar, expressed his hopes, stating, "I sincerely hope IPEMI to lead the empowerment of five million Muslim women entrepreneurs and contribute to the management of religious facilities in 38 provinces."
Source: koreaherald.com
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10485545
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