Gendered Killings in Iran: Between Femicide and Capital Punishment

In 2024 Iran recorded its highest number of female executions since 2008—at least 31 women—and a parallel rise in femicides, with one woman killed by a private actor roughly every 48 hours. These two forms of lethal violence are interlinked manifestations of the same patriarchal system: one that fails to protect women from abuse, yet swiftly imposes the ultimate penalty when they resist.

This panel convenes leading advocates, researchers, and family members of victims to:

• analyse the legal, social, and cultural frameworks that enable both state-sanctioned executions and impunity for femicide;
• present new data and findings from UN mandates and Iranian human-rights organisations;
• amplify survivor and family testimonies; and
• identify concrete avenues for international advocacy and accountability.

Speakers

• Sholeh Pakravan – Human-rights advocate; mother of Reyhaneh Jabbari (executed 2014)
• Mohammad Reza Sargolzaee, Independent Psychiatrist and Human Rights activist
• Skylar Thompson – Deputy Director, Human Rights Activists in Iran

Moderator

• Azadeh Pourzand – Director & Co-Founder, Siamak Pourzand Foundation; Spokesperson & Community Director, Impact Iran

The discussion is co-organised by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), Impact Iran, and Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRA), with the support of partner organisations.

Languages spoken: English
Interpretation available: English & Farsi