Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old woman currently imprisoned in Gorgan Central Prison, Northern Iran, is fighting for her life. She has been on death row for seven years, sentenced to retribution-in-kind for her role in the death of her husband, an act that occurred when she was just 18 years old. Unless her family can amass 10 billion tomans – approximately £80,000 – by a December deadline, she will face execution.
The Case of Goli Kouhkan: A Cycle of Abuse
Kouhkan’s story is a harrowing illustration of the vulnerabilities faced by women in Iran, particularly those from marginalized communities. She hails from the Baluch ethnic group,a minority representing roughly 2% of Iran’s population,frequently enough lacking proper documentation and facing systemic discrimination.Kouhkan was forced into marriage at the age of 12, becoming pregnant the following year, and enduring years of physical and emotional abuse.
The circumstances surrounding her husband’s death are deeply troubling. On the day of the incident, Kouhkan discovered he was assaulting her five-year-old son. Seeking assistance, she contacted a cousin, and a confrontation ensued, resulting in her husband’s death. Kouhkan instantly alerted authorities and confessed, tho she was illiterate and lacked legal representation during initial interrogation.
“blood Money” and the Iranian Legal System
Under Iranian law, a victim’s family has the option to spare a convicted individual’s life in exchange for “blood money,” a form of compensation. In Kouhkan’s case, prison officials brokered a deal: in return for 10 billion tomans and her permanent departure from Gorgan, her life would be spared. However, she is unlikely to be granted contact with her now 11-year-old son, who is being raised by his paternal grandparents.
This case highlights a deeply flawed aspect of the iranian justice system, where retribution often takes precedence over rehabilitation and where women are disproportionately affected. Human Rights advocates emphasize that Kouhkan’s situation symbolizes the authorities’ use of the death penalty to instill fear and perpetuate discriminatory practices.
A Disturbing trend: Executions of Women in Iran
Iran maintains one of the highest rates of female executions globally. According to Iran Human Rights, at least 31 women where executed in 2024 for crimes ranging from drug offenses to murder, marking the highest number in over fifteen years.As of 2025, at least 30 women have already been executed. In 2024 a total of 419 people including 19 women were executed for murder.
Kouhkan’s plight echoes the tragic stories of other women like Samira Sabzian Fard, sentenced to death in December 2023 for killing a husband she was forced to marry at 15, and Zeinab Sekaanvand, executed in 2012 after being arrested at 17 for murdering an abusive husband. These cases reveal a pattern of systemic failures to protect women from violence and a judicial system that often exacerbates their vulnerability.
| Case | Age at Arrest | Circumstances | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goli kouhkan | 18 | Husband’s death during altercation after abuse of her son | Death row, awaiting payment of “blood money” |
| Samira Sabzian Fard | Unknown | Killing husband she was forced to marry at 15 | Sentenced to death |
| Zeinab Sekaanvand | 17 | Killing abusive husband | Executed |
Did You Know? Iran’s legal system allows for “qisas” or retribution-in-kind, essentially an eye-for-an-eye justice principle, which frequently leads to death sentences in cases of murder.
Pro Tip: Organizations like Amnesty International and iran Human rights actively monitor and campaign against the death penalty in Iran. Supporting their work can contribute to raising awareness and advocating for change.
The Broader Context of Women’s Rights in Iran
The situation of women in Iran remains complex and challenging.While women have made strides in education and professional fields,they continue to face significant legal and social restrictions. Recent crackdowns on women’s rights, including increased surveillance and enforcement of strict dress codes, underscore the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The case of Goli Kouhkan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for legal reforms and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes toward women and violence against them. International pressure and advocacy efforts play a vital role in holding the Iranian government accountable for its human rights record.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Iranian Justice System and Women’s Rights
- What is “blood money” in Iranian law? It’s a form of compensation paid by a perpetrator to the family of a victim in cases of murder or bodily harm, which can lead to a pardon instead of execution.
- What is “retribution-in-kind”? this legal principle, known as “qisas,” allows for punishment equivalent to the crime committed, often resulting in death sentences.
- Are child marriages legal in Iran? Yes,although there have been some recent debates and calls for raising the minimum age of marriage,it remains legal under certain circumstances.
- What challenges do women from minority groups in Iran face? They often experience heightened discrimination and vulnerability within the legal system and society as a whole.
- How can I support efforts to advocate for women’s rights in Iran? You can donate to organizations like Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights, raise awareness about these issues, and contact your political representatives.
- What is the current rate of executions in Iran? iran maintains a high rate of executions, with hundreds carried out annually, including a disproportionate number of women.
- Does the Iranian government provide legal protection against domestic violence? While laws exist, their enforcement is often weak and women face significant barriers in seeking protection.
What do you think should be done to advocate for goli Kouhkan and women facing similar injustices in Iran? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
