Zahra Nazarian, First Woman Execution in 2024

According to HRANA news agency, a woman was executed in Sabzevar Prison on 31 January. Her identity has been reported as 27-year-old Zahra Nazarian.

She was arrested four years ago and sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for the murder of her sister’s husband.

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 2023, at least 22 women were executed. Zahra Nazarian is the first woman execution recorded in 2024. 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, as the plaintiffs, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.