Femicide: Fatemeh Barkhordari, teacher in Sabzevar, killed by Husband

Hengaw: Thursday, May 8, 2025

Fatemeh Barkhordari, a public school teacher in Sabzevar, Razavi Khorasan Province, was killed by her husband in a public street.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Barkhordari was attacked with a bladed weapon while walking on a city street on Wednesday, May 1, 2025. A source familiar with the case reported that she had just exited a vehicle with a friend when her husband approached from behind and assaulted her with a machete, resulting in fatal injuries.

The perpetrator, who is also employed in the education sector, had previously been the subject of formal complaints submitted by Barkhordari to the Sabzevar Education Department. In those letters, she cited instances of domestic violence and threats, but no protective measures were taken.

At the time of the incident, Barkhordari was living separately from her husband and had recently filed for divorce. She was the mother of three children.