Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh’s story is one of the most harrowing examples of child execution in modern times. At just 16 years old, Atefeh was sentenced to death and executed in Iran, sparking international outrage and highlighting the severe human rights violations faced by minors under the Iranian judicial system. This article delves deeply into her life, the circumstances of her execution, and the broader implications for child rights and justice in Iran.
Who Was Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh?
Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh (September 21, 1987 – August 15, 2004) was a 16-year-old Iranian girl from the town of Neka in Mazandaran Province. She was executed publicly by hanging a week after being sentenced to death by Judge Haji Rezai, head of Neka’s court, on charges of adultery and "crimes against chastity" following repeated sexual abuse.
- Birthplace: Iran
- Age at Execution: 16 years old
- Charges: Adultery and murder (disputed)
- Date of Execution: 2004
Early Life and Background Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh
Atefeh’s childhood was marked by tragedy and hardship. After her mother died in a car accident when Atefeh was five, her younger brother reportedly drowned in a river. Her father became a drug addict, leaving Atefeh to care for her elderly grandparents, who largely ignored her despite her efforts.
Locals described her as a lively and intelligent girl, often seen wandering freely and nicknamed the "gypsy of Neka" due to her unrestrained behavior and lack of parental guidance.
Arrests and Charges against her
Between the ages of 13 and 16, Atefeh was arrested multiple times—at least three or five times according to various reports—on charges related to sex outside marriage, known as “crimes against chastity.”
Each time, she was subjected to flogging (100 lashes) and imprisonment.
During her final trial, she was accused of having an abusive sexual relationship with Ali Darabi, a 51-year-old married former Revolutionary Guard turned taxi driver, who reportedly raped her repeatedly starting when she was 13.
The Trial and Execution
Her trial was overseen by Judge Haji Rezai, who acted as prosecutor, judge, and later executioner. Despite Atefeh’s protests and claims of being a victim, including moments where she defiantly removed her hijab and threw her shoes at the judge in court, she was convicted based on a forced confession obtained under torture.
The judge reportedly disregarded her official birth certificate, which proved she was under 18, and declared her physically mature enough to be treated as an adult, sentencing her to death.
On August 15, 2004, Atefeh was publicly hanged from a crane in Neka’s town square. The judge personally placed the noose around her neck and reportedly said, “This will teach you to disobey!” She was left hanging for 45 minutes, and her execution was carried out despite Iran being a signatory to international treaties banning the execution of minors.
Aftermath and Controversy
Atefeh’s execution sparked international outrage and condemnation from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which called it a crime against humanity and a violation of children’s rights.
Following the execution, Iranian media reported that Judge Rezai and several militia members involved in the case were arrested by the Intelligence Ministry amid allegations of torture and abuse.
It was revealed that the judge had also confessed to torturing Atefeh to extract names of others involved in similar acts.
Despite petitions and appeals by Atefeh’s family and community members, including a Supreme Court order to free her, the intervention came too late.
Her body was reportedly stolen from her grave and never recovered, adding to the tragedy and mystery surrounding her death.
Legacy
Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh’s story remains a powerful symbol of the injustice faced by minors under Iran’s judicial system and the ongoing problem of child executions in the country.
Her case has fueled international campaigns against the death penalty for juveniles and highlighted the need for reform in Iran’s treatment of vulnerable children.
This detailed account of Atefeh Rajabi Sahaaleh’s life and execution underscores the tragic consequences of Iran’s policies on juvenile offenders and the urgent call for justice and human rights protections.
Why Does Iran Execute Minors?
Iran executes minors because its legal system is based on Islamic law, which defines criminal responsibility by the onset of puberty rather than the international standard age of 18. According to Iranian law, girls as young as 9 lunar years and boys as young as 15 lunar years can be held fully responsible for crimes if they are deemed mentally mature.
This religious-legal framework allows judges to sentence minors to death, especially for serious crimes like murder, adultery, and “enmity against God.” Despite international treaties prohibiting child executions, Iran prioritizes its religious laws and judicial discretion, resulting in ongoing juvenile executions.
While some reforms have been introduced to limit executions of minors, the practice remains legally permitted under certain circumstances.