Gendered Killings in Iran: Between Femicide and Capital Punishment

The recording of this session will be uploaded to Youtube - please click on the button on this page or visit the official OMCT Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@omct9148
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
Speakers
-
Sholeh Pakravan
Human-rights advocate Mother of Reyhaneh Jabbari (executed 2014) -
Skylar Thompson
Deputy Director Human Rights Activists in Iran -
Azadeh Pourzand
Director & Co-Founder Siamak Pourzand Foundation -
Mohammad Reza Sargolzaee
Independent Psychiatrist and Human Rights activist
Event Details
Date
Time 3pm — 4.30pm CEST
-
Sholeh Pakravan
-
Skylar Thompson
-
Azadeh Pourzand
-
Mohammad Reza Sargolzaee
Type Open