Fourth Quarterly Report on “Honor Killings” in 2023
Investigative Report by Rezvan Moghaddam
Through three successive studies during spring, summer, and autumn, the statistics of “honor killings” based on accessible reports were analyzed and published for public awareness. Now, we review the results of the investigative report for Winter 2023.
“Honor Killings”
“Honor killing” is a form of femicide and the most extreme type of violence against women. It often refers to the killing of a family member, usually a woman or transgender individual, by relatives who believe the victim has brought shame or dishonor upon them, their family, tribe, or community. These killings are often motivated by cultural, social, or religious reasons that prioritize the “honor” of the family over individual rights and the fundamental right to life.
In some cases, men are also victims of honor-related killings, such as when a man suspected of having a relationship with a woman from the family is killed. The motivations for “honor killings” vary and may include actions such as refusing an arranged marriage, engaging in an extramarital relationship, pursuing a career, traveling without permission, fleeing from home, requesting a divorce, entering into a disapproved relationship, chatting online, posting photos or videos on social media, or even being a victim of sexual assault. Many so-called “honor killings” are based on suspicion and accusations, with no actual wrongdoing by the victim.
In numerous cases, these killings are premeditated, executed with the explicit or implicit support of other family members, and viewed as a means to restore the family’s reputation within their community. Due to deeply entrenched traditional beliefs and the reluctance of authorities to intervene in what they consider “private family matters,” such crimes often go unpunished or receive lenient sentences in many countries.
Efforts to stop honor killings involve advocating for legal reforms to challenge discriminatory laws, raising public awareness, and providing support services for those at risk. The Stop Honor Killings Campaign, initiated in 2020, continues to work towards these goals. This campaign also seeks to challenge the traditions and beliefs perpetuating these acts of violence, defending the rights and lives of women and LGBTQ+ individuals who are particularly vulnerable to such crimes.
Overview of “Honor Killings” Reports
Based on research conducted since the beginning of 2023, at least 186 “honor killings” were documented and analyzed over the year. In the first quarter alone, 49 cases were reported on the websites of the campaign, with 45 of the victims being women killed by their husbands, brothers, fathers, or even ex-husbands.
In the second and third quarters, 43 cases each were documented on the Stop Honor Killings Campaign website, with findings published in three separate investigative articles. For the fourth quarter (Winter 2023), 51 “honor killings” were studied and analyzed. These findings show a total of 186 cases reported in 2023.
Amidst increased crackdowns and propaganda against women by the Islamic regime, honor killings of women have risen significantly. Based on available information from the fourth quarter of 2023, the following results were documented, presented in frequency distribution tables and graphs:
- Average Age of Victims: 32 years (subject to change in annual and other seasonal reports).
Monthly Breakdown of Killings
| Month | Count of Killings |
|---|---|
| February | 12 |
| January | 20 |
| December | 19 |
As Table 1 and Graph 1 illustrate, 51 honor killings were documented during Winter 2023. January had the highest number (20 cases), while February had the lowest (12 cases).
Motivations for Killings
| Motivation | Count |
|---|---|
| Family Dispute | 17 |
| Cooking Dispute | 1 |
| Suspicion | 7 |
| Divorce | 3 |
| Financial Dispute | 2 |
| LGBTQ+ Identity | 1 |
| “Honor” | 18 |
Table 2 and Graph 2 show that motives included “honor” (35%), family disputes (33%), suspicion (14%), and others such as requests for divorce, financial conflicts, or even disputes over cooking.
Methods of Killing
| Method | Count |
|---|---|
| Firearms | 17 |
| Strangulation | 14 |
| Knives | 9 |
| Blunt Objects | 2 |
| Burning | 3 |
The most common methods were firearms (33%), strangulation (27%), and stabbing (18%).
Regional Distribution
| Province | Count |
|---|---|
| Tehran | 18 |
| Fars | 6 |
| East Azerbaijan | 4 |
| Others (Various) | 23 |
Tehran accounted for 33% of documented killings, followed by Fars Province at 11%.
Relationship Between Perpetrator and Victim
| Relationship | Count |
|---|---|
| Husband | 20 |
| Ex-Husband | 3 |
| Father | 4 |
| Brother | 3 |
Husbands were responsible for 43% of the killings, followed by fathers and brothers.
Conclusion
In 2023, at least one woman was killed every two days due to “honor” in Iran. These killings stem from discriminatory laws, societal beliefs, and the lack of accountability for perpetrators. The campaign will continue to document cases and advocate for solutions to prevent violence against women and marginalized groups.
