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

An 18-year-old Iranian woman has died after setting herself on fire, an act reportedly stemming from years of abuse by her spouse. Soma Moghaddi succumbed to her injuries 11 days after the incident in Piranshahr, West Azerbaijan province.

Her self-immolation left Moghaddi with severe burns covering 90% of her body. Despite being transferred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Urmia for treatment, she passed away. Reports from Iranian media and human rights groups suggest her husband may have been involved, though authorities have not commented.

The Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRANA) stated that child marriage inflicts "irreparable damage" on victims. The group cited issues such as early pregnancies, maternal mortality, depression, suicide attempts, and the perpetuation of poverty cycles.

Under Iran's Civil Code, Article 1041 permits marriage for girls under 13 and boys under 15 with paternal guardian and court approval, without a strict minimum age. This legal framework allows for marriages that human rights advocates argue cause profound harm.

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The physical and psychological harms resulting from child marriage inflict irreparable damage on the lives of these children.