An Iranian woman, Samira Sabzian, who had spent a decade in prison, was executed for murdering the man she was forced to marry when she was 15 years old.
Sabzian was sentenced to death despite being a victim of domestic violence, and her execution has drawn criticism from various rights groups and the international community. More information about Sabzian’s case and reactions to her execution will be provided in this section.
Sabzian’s Case
Sabzian was sentenced to death at around 19 years old for murdering the man she was forced to marry at 15. She had spent ten years in prison and had not been allowed to see her two children, one of whom was a newborn at the time of her sentencing, until a final meeting in prison earlier this month.
Sabzian’s case had garnered international attention, with Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) leading a campaign for clemency. Amnesty International also highlighted that Sabzian was subjected to a forced and early marriage as a child and expressed horror at her execution.
International Criticism
Sabzian’s execution comes at a time when Iran is facing international criticism for its surge in executions, with hundreds being killed by the state so far this year. Last month, the United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the execution of 17-year-old Hamidreza Azari, describing him as an ‘alleged child offender.’
The office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights expressed alarm at Sabzian’s execution. It urged Iran to establish a moratorium on all executions to abolish the death penalty.
Rights Groups’ Reactions
IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam expressed his outrage at Sabzian’s execution, stating that she was a victim of gender apartheid, child marriage, and domestic violence. Amiry-Moghaddam also called for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to be held accountable for the crime, along with the country’s other leaders.
Amnesty International’s Iran chapter made a last-ditch effort to stop Sabzian’s execution, fearing it was imminent. The British Government had also called for her life to be spared. Media inside Iran have not yet reported Sabzian’s execution.
According to M10News, Sabzian’s execution has drawn international criticism and highlighted Iran’s surge in executions, particularly of women and alleged child offenders.
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