Kurdish man kills and dismembers wife in Penjwen, Iraqi Kurdistan

PENJWEN, Iraqi Kurdistan, — Authorities in the town of Penjwen, in Sulaimani Province of Iraqi Kurdistan Region, have launched an investigation into the brutal killing of a Kurdish woman by her husband, who has reportedly fled to Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhelat).

According to Penjwen Deputy Governor Hemin Ibrahim, the 43-year-old victim, identified by her initials T.G., was discovered dismembered in her home in the Aliyasafra neighborhood. The gruesome discovery was made after neighbors noticed a foul odor emanating from the property and alerted authorities early Tuesday morning.

“The investigation has revealed that the crime occurred near the beginning of the year. The husband, who is responsible for this brutal act, fled the scene and is believed to be in Iraqi Kurdistan,” Ibrahim told reporters.

Authorities disclosed that the victim’s body had been dismembered into 13 pieces and concealed within the courtyard of the family’s home. The alarming absence of the woman was initially reported by her family and children, prompting law enforcement to take action.

Both the victim and her husband are originally from Iranian Kurdistan, the Iraqi Kurdish official said. It was further revealed that the suspect had two wives and had been living in Penjwen for several years. The motive for the crime remains under investigation, but officials believe the suspect acted alone.

“The case has deeply shocked the local community,” Ibrahim said. “Efforts are ongoing to coordinate with Iranian authorities to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.”

This incident has sparked renewed concerns over domestic violence in the region, with local advocacy groups calling for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals and address the systemic issues contributing to such tragedies.

Earlier this month, a 26-year-old woman, identified as Zhwana and also known as Kajin, employed by the Zeravani forces, a Peshmerga armed group affiliated with the Barzani KDP party, was killed by her brother in Erbil. The motive was described as a “social issue,” a term commonly used by police to refer to domestic violence or honor killings.

Gender-based violence remains a deep-rooted and persistent issue in Iraqi Kurdistan, with numerous cases of honor-based killings, domestic abuse, and femicide reported annually. Many of these incidents are linked to so-called “social disputes,” a phrase frequently used to describe family conflicts or societal pressures that escalate into violent acts.

Despite pledges by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to address the growing crisis, women’s rights activists argue that weak law enforcement, insufficient support for survivors, and entrenched cultural norms continue to perpetuate this violence.

Advocates are calling for stronger legal protections, harsher penalties for perpetrators, and enhanced resources for victims in order to curb the alarming trend of gender-based violence in the region.

(With files from Rojnews | Kurdistan24)