Murder of Romina Ashrafi

Romina Ashrafi portrait

Murder of Romina Ashrafi was a highly publicized case that occurred in May 2020, in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Romina Ashrafi, a 14-year-old girl, was brutally murdered by her father in a so-called "honor killing" after she had run away from home with a 34-year-old man she had fallen in love with. The case sparked outrage both nationally and internationally, leading to calls for legal reforms in Iran regarding the protection of children and women, and the penalties for honor killings.

Background

Romina Ashrafi lived in the town of Talesh, in the northern province of Gilan, Iran. Reports suggest that she had planned to elope with Bahamn Khavari, a man significantly older than her, which led to conflicts within her family. After being found by police, she was returned to her family despite expressing fears for her safety. On May 21, 2020, Romina was killed in her sleep by her father, who used a farming sickle to commit the act. He then presented himself to the police, confessing to the murder.

Legal Aspects and Reactions

The murder highlighted the inadequacies in Iran's legal system regarding the protection of women and children. Under Iranian law, the punishment for fathers or paternal grandfathers who kill their children is significantly lighter than for other murderers, often resulting in short prison sentences. This case led to public outcry and demands for legislative change to protect vulnerable individuals from honor killings and domestic violence.

Following the murder, there were widespread calls on social media and from various human rights organizations for the Iranian government to take action. In response, the Iranian parliament (Majlis) proposed a bill to provide more protection for children and adolescents, aiming to close legal loopholes that allowed honor killings to be treated with leniency.

Impact

The murder of Romina Ashrafi brought significant attention to the issue of honor killings, not only in Iran but around the world. It underscored the urgent need for legal reforms to protect women and children from violence. The case became a symbol of the fight against gender-based violence and the patriarchal structures that often sanction such acts.

In the aftermath, there was a noticeable increase in discussions about women's rights and child protection in Iran, with activists and the general public pushing for changes to ensure that such tragedies are not repeated. The case of Romina Ashrafi has been cited in various international forums as an example of the critical need for countries to review and reform laws that fail to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

See Also

• Honor killing
• Women's rights in Iran
• Child protection
• Legal system of Iran