Goli Kouhkan's Life Spared: A Case of Blood Money and Domestic Violence in Iran

Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old woman from Iran's Baluch minority, was sentenced to death for the killing of her husband, Alireza Abil, in May 2018. At the time of her arrest, Kouhkan was 18 years old and had endured years of domestic abuse, having been forced into marriage at the age of 12. The incident that led to her husband's death occurred when Kouhkan found him physically assaulting their five-year-old son. In a desperate attempt to protect her child, she called her husband's cousin for assistance, which escalated into a fatal confrontation.

The Guardian

Recently, Kouhkan's life was spared after her husband's family accepted a payment of approximately £70,000 (8 billion tomans) as blood money, a practice under Iranian law that allows for the victim's family to pardon the accused in exchange for financial compensation. This decision followed significant international attention and fundraising efforts led by organizations such as the Qasim Child Foundation. Kouhkan's lawyer confirmed that the original blood money demand had been reduced, allowing for the funds to be raised through donations.

The Guardian

UN experts, including Mai Sato, have expressed relief at the decision to spare Kouhkan's life, while also highlighting the systemic issues within Iran's legal framework. Sato noted, “It’s great that Kouhkan won’t be executed…but it doesn’t really solve the issue of the qisas law, which is in violation of many international standards.” Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, emphasized that Kouhkan's case reflects the discrimination faced by women in Iran, particularly those who are victims of domestic violence and child marriage.

The GuardianThe New Arab

Despite the positive outcome for Kouhkan, her case has drawn attention to the broader issues of gender bias and the harsh realities of the Iranian judicial system. Critics argue that the qisas law disproportionately affects women, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Kouhkan's situation is not unique; Amnesty International reported that at least 30 women were executed in Iran in 2024, many for crimes related to domestic violence or self-defense.

The Guardian

While Kouhkan's life has been spared, the fate of her husband's cousin, Mohammad Abil, remains uncertain as he is still on death row. Additionally, reports indicate that Kouhkan's case is part of a troubling trend, with Iran being one of the highest executioners of women globally. The Iranian government has faced criticism for its lack of transparency regarding executions, with state media often failing to report on such cases.

The Guardian

• “her case reflects the discrimination and structural violence experienced by many women in the Islamic republic who face the death penalty.” — Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Director, Iran Human Rights

The New Arab

• “When people start raising awareness [of cases such as Kouhkan’s] there is sometimes huge pressure from international bodies, which increases the chances of halting executions.” — Mehdi Ghatei, Founder, Qasim Child Foundation

The Guardian

Kouhkan's case highlights the complexities of the Iranian legal system and the ongoing struggles faced by women in similar situations, raising critical questions about justice, gender equality, and human rights in Iran.

The Guardian