Samira Sabzian Executed in Ghezelhesar Prison

According to information obtained by iran Human Rights, Samira Sabzian was hanged in Ghezelhesar Prison on 20 December. She was arrested ten years ago and sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for the murder of her husband.

Samira was a child bride married at 15 and a victim of domestic violence. She had two young children, one a new-born baby, when she was arrested and had not seen her children in ten years. She saw them for the first and last time when they came to the prison to say goodbye.

At the time of writing, her execution has not been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.

Iran is the biggest executioner of women. In 2022, at least 16 women were executed. Samira is the 18thwoman to be executed in 2023. According to Iran Human Rights’ report on Women and Death Penalty in Iran on the occasion of World Day Against the Death Penalty, at least 164 women were executed between 2010-October 2021. In 66% of the known murder cases, the women were convicted of killing their husband or partner. Within the marriage, a woman does not have the right to divorce, even in cases of domestic violence and abuse, which are hidden in cultural codes and language.

Those charged with the umbrella term of “intentional murder” are sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) regardless of intent or circumstances due to a lack of grading in law. Once a defendant has been convicted, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.