She just wanted to live her life and follow her passion.
Eighteen-year-old Fatemeh Soltani had found some independence by working at a beauty salon in Islamshahr, a city near Tehran.
But in a society where women are often restricted and silenced, her choice came with devastating consequences.
Fatemeh had kept her job a secret from her family, especially her father, fearing his harsh reaction.
Her fears proved tragically justified.
A Hidden Job, A Shocking Discovery
Fatemeh’s father discovered where she worked by posing as a customer—booking an appointment through the salon’s Instagram page.
When Fatemeh realized he was the one coming in, she immediately called her mother, overwhelmed with fear.
That moment turned out to be the last time she would reach out for help.
What followed was horrifying: on the doorstep of the salon, in broad daylight, her father brutally attacked her.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows him dragging her to the ground and repeatedly stabbing her, while pedestrians and drivers passed by.
The violence only stopped when a bystander screamed.
Domestic Violence and A Desperate Escape
According to a close family friend, Fatemeh had already moved out of the family home after enduring years of domestic abuse.
She had started living on her own and was financially independent—something rare and courageous for many young women in Iran.
But even away from home, she wasn’t safe.
A System That Fails Women
After Fatemeh’s death, the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran condemned the country’s deeply rooted patriarchy and systemic negligence.
For decades, Iran’s clerical regime has resisted passing laws that protect women from violence.
In their words, this regime “tolerates abuse and even the murder of women with little to no consequence.”
The group has now called on international authorities, including the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, to investigate this widespread crisis and push for accountability.
Their message is clear: Iran must not be allowed to ignore the bloodshed any longer.
Hidden Statistics and Alarming Numbers
Femicide is grossly underreported in Iran.
With no official statistics from the government, local newspapers remain the most reliable—though limited—source of data.
According to Etemad, at least 78 women were killed by family members between March and September of last year.
Another outlet, Shargh, reported that at least 165 women were murdered by male relatives between 2021 and 2023.
Just in the first quarter of 2023, 27 women were killed, many under the pretext of “honour.”
But these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg.
Experts believe the real toll is far higher, hidden behind closed doors and unspoken grief.
A Chilling Echo: Mona Heydari’s Story
Fatemeh’s death brings back memories of another horrifying crime that shook Iran in 2022.
Mona Heydari, only 17, was murdered by her husband—also her cousin—in what authorities called an “honour killing.”
After decapitating her, the man walked the streets of Ahvaz with her severed head, proudly holding it up for all to see.
Mona had fled to Turkey after enduring abuse and reportedly having an affair.
Her family tracked her down and forced her back to Iran.
Soon after, her life was taken.
She had been married at age 12 and was already a mother by the time of her murder.
Her husband and his brother were arrested and charged, but the government refused to release further details—another case drowned in silence.
A Country at a Crossroads
These heartbreaking stories have sparked outrage across Iranian media and social platforms.
Many citizens, lawyers, and human rights advocates have demanded reform.
One publication, Sazandegi, captured the public’s heartbreak: “A human being was decapitated, her head was displayed on the streets, and the killer was proud. How can we accept such a tragedy?”
Legal experts point to outdated laws and glaring loopholes that allow honour-based violence to continue unchecked.
Even members of Iran’s own parliament have admitted that enforcement is weak or nonexistent.
What Needs to Happen Next?
The international community faces a clear choice: turn a blind eye to gender-based violence in Iran or demand justice and protection for women like Fatemeh and Mona.
Human rights advocates are urging the UN and other global bodies to hold Iran accountable and expel representatives of regimes that enable this culture of violence.
Until real legal reforms are made—and until women in Iran are treated as equals—stories like these will keep repeating. The world is watching. The question is: will it act?