Husband Kills Wife in Front of Terrified Children in Zahedan

By:Rezvan Moghaddam

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, a woman named Aiesheh Mirkazeh, was killed by
her husband in Zahedan, while her two daughters watched in horror. The reported
motive for the murder was her refusal to agree to his request to take a second wife.
Aiesheh Mirkazeh, a 42-year-old native of Khash living in Zahedan, was violently
attacked by her husband, suffering multiple stab wounds to her abdomen and sides.
Due to the severity of her injuries, she was taken to Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital in
Zahedan, where she submitted to internal bleeding hours later.
According to the news outlet Hal-Vash, the husband, identified as (Y.F.), allegedly beat
Aiesheh severely in front of their daughters after she opposed his plans for a second
marriage. After her injury and worsening condition, her daughters and other relatives
took her to the hospital, while the husband fled the scene.
Such murders, often committed to assert control, ownership, or to “preserve honor,” are
recognized as honor killings. In these cases, the primary factors—control over a
woman’s body, behavior, and choices, including opposition to polygamy—play a key
role. In cultures where men claim authority over women’s decisions and lives due to
cultural and social norms, a woman’s refusal is sometimes viewed as a threat to male
authority, perceived as an “insult” to their honor.
In these instances, killing becomes a means to “restore honor” as the man interprets the
woman’s disobedience as an assault on his authority and power. honor killings are
committed with the aim of control and possession, rather than from spontaneous anger
or impulsive motives. When a woman is killed by her husband for rejecting polygamy, it
falls within the framework of honor killings, driven by a perceived need to protect the
“family’s honor.”
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s criminal policies on domestic violence and femicide are
largely based on Sharia-based criminal laws, often conflicting with international human
rights standards. Iranian law lacks a clear definition of domestic violence and does not
criminalize it separately or comprehensively. Femicide, or honor killings, are not
recognized as distinct crimes but rather categorized under general homicide laws. This
lack of specific legal recognition often results in reduced sentences or even immunity for
family members who commit these acts under the pretext of “honor.”
Additionally, the Iranian government has seldom enacted protective laws for women
against domestic violence and femicide. Efforts to pass legislation like the “Protection of
Women Against Violence” bill have been met with minimal support due to cultural and
religious considerations and remain in early stages. This gap in legal protection fails to
support victims adequately and prevent such crimes.

The absence of social and legal support for women against violence has profound
societal impacts, normalizing violence against women. When women experience
physical, psychological, or economic abuse and lack institutional support, they not only
feel insecure but also experience despair and helplessness. This situation compels
many women to endure violence; even if they find the courage to report it, they typically
face limited legal recourse or inadequate response from authorities.
Such an environment leads to a society where violence against women is gradually
normalized. Perpetrators feel little accountability, and over time, these behaviors
become more widely accepted. This dynamic perpetuates violence against women,
impacting not only the current generation but also future ones.

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Stop honor Killings Campaign
Rezvan Moghadam, Spokesperson for the Stop honor Killings Campaign.