Hengaw Report on Continued Violation of Women's Rights in Iran: Dozens of Arrests and 23 Femicides in One Month

The human rights organization Hengaw reported in its monthly report on the violation of women's rights in Iran that in August 2024, at least 10 women activists were arrested, 11 women activists were sentenced to imprisonment, and at least 23 cases of femicide were recorded in various cities across Iran. According to the new report published on Wednesday, September 4, at least 10 women activists were arrested in different cities of Iran last month, which accounts for 11% of the total number of citizens arrested in that month. Hengaw reported that during this period, at least 11 women activists in various cities of Iran were collectively sentenced to 40 years, 5 months, and 22 days of imprisonment, with five of these women sentenced in a joint case in Gilan province. Based on registered statistics from the Statistical Center and Hengaw's documents, at least 23 women were killed in Iranian cities in August 2024, with 13 women killed by their husbands, 2 by their fathers, 2 by their sons, and 6 by unknown individuals. Of the 23 femicide cases, one was motivated by so-called 'honor,' and in 17 cases, family disputes were cited as the reason for the murder. Additionally, 2 women were killed for robbery motives, one for attempted rape, and 2 for unknown reasons. Hengaw characterized the arrest and sentencing of women as a common discriminatory trend in the Islamic Republic and stated that 'femicide' represents the highest level of 'misogyny' and 'anti-woman sentiment' in society, rooted in historical societies, patriarchal relations, and misogynistic laws. According to reports from human rights organizations, 122 cases of femicide were recorded in Iran last year, with a significant portion of these murders committed by close family members of the women. A review of the plight of women in Iran and Afghanistan on France 24; Mahsa Alimardani: The situation for women in Iran will not improve. A 17-year-old girl was killed by her father in Ilam. The Hengaw human rights organization's report on 'femicide' in Iran: 10 women were killed in 10 days. A 60% increase in femicide in Iran; human rights activists emphasize the need for awareness to protect women's lives.