Iranian Woman Succumbs to Domestic Violence as Husband Shoots

A 27-year-old woman from a village in northwestern Urmia was killed by her husband, IranWire reports. 

The woman has been identified as Ziba Sayad. According to one of her relatives, Sayad was coerced by her family into marrying her cousin and faced severe persecution at his hands. 

"Ziba was a gentle and affectionate soul, both beautiful inside and out. However, upon becoming part of her husband's household, she endured relentless torment and abuse," the relative told IranWire.

The relative, close to Ziba's family, revealed that over the years, Ziba had sought refuge at her parents' home multiple times, only to be compelled to return to her "house of torment." 

"Ziba attempted to obtain a divorce for two consecutive years, but her husband refused, responding to any mention of separation with further abuse and violence," the source added. 

"The last time her husband beat her, Ziba filed a complaint and sought sanctuary at her father's house. 

"Nevertheless, her husband relentlessly pursued her, threatening that she would never find solace with another partner. 

"Ten days after a divorce decree was issued, he found Ziba alone and fatally shot her," the source said.

In a report released at the beginning of 2024, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights disclosed that the toll of gender-based violence and honor killings reached 122 victims last year. 

The majority of femicide incidents were concentrated in Tehran, Alborz, West Azarbaijan, Kermanshah, and Fars provinces, respectively. 

Additionally, the perpetrators, in most cases, were found to be the victims' husbands, ex-husbands, fathers, brothers, or other close relatives.