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Iran Woman's Death Sentence Lifted After Blood Money Deal

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old woman in Iran, had her death sentence lifted after the family of her deceased husband accepted £70,000 in blood money.
She was forced into marriage at 12 and faced execution for allegedly killing her abusive husband in 2018.
UN experts criticized Iran's legal system for gender bias and for not considering her circumstances.
International pressure and fundraising contributed to her release.

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Story summary

Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old woman in Iran, had her death sentence lifted after the family of her deceased husband accepted £70,000 in blood money.
She was forced into marriage at 12 and faced execution for allegedly killing her abusive husband in 2018.
UN experts criticized Iran's legal system for gender bias and for not considering her circumstances.
International pressure and fundraising contributed to her release.