Victim of child marriage in Iran dies of wounds after self-immolation, human rights groups claim

An 18-year-old Iranian woman, Soma Moghaddi, died in Iran 11 days after setting herself on fire in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan province, according to Iranian media and human rights groups. She reportedly self-immolated after years of abuse from her spouse, per HRANA News Agency. She suffered burns on 90% of her body and died despite treatment at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia. The article notes that under Article 1041 of the Iranian Civil Code, girls under 13 and boys under 15 can legally marry with guardian consent and court approval, with no absolute minimum age.

An 18-year-old woman, Soma Moghaddi, died in Iran earlier this week, 11 days after setting herself on fire in Piranshahr in West Azerbaijan province, according to Iranian media and human rights groups. HRANA News Agency reported that she self-immolated after years of abuse from her spouse. The self-immolation left her with burns on 90% of her body; she was transferred from Piranshahr City Medical Center to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia but died despite efforts to save her. Multiple Iranian media outlets, including khabarfoori and Rokna, reported rumors that her husband may have been involved, though judiciary authorities have not commented. HRANA stated that child marriage inflicts irreparable damage, including pregnancies under 18, maternal mortality, depression, suicide attempts, and perpetuation of poverty. The article notes that under Article 1041 of the Iranian Civil Code, girls under 13 and boys under 15 can legally marry with guardian consent and court approval, with no absolute minimum age.