Taliban Urges Iranian Authorities To Prosecute Suspect In Rezai Killing

The case has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights activists and migrant advocates, but Afghan authorities under Taliban control have issued no public statement.

Rezai, who went missing in April, was found dismembered in the home of a 32-year-old Iranian man in Pakdasht, southeast of Tehran, according to a report by Ensaf News. The suspect, reportedly a married security guard, allegedly attempted to destroy her remains using acid. Parts of her body were previously discovered in a rubbish dump in another area of Tehran Province.

Despite mounting calls for justice, Taliban officials in Kabul and representatives in Iran have yet to comment on the case. The Taliban-controlled Afghan embassy in Tehran did not respond to an inquiry from Afghanistan International regarding Rezai’s murder.

The group has previously remained silent on similar cases, including the execution of Afghan nationals in Iran and the deaths of Afghan labourers. Critics argue that the Taliban avoid addressing rights violations against migrants in order to maintain political ties with the Islamic Republic.

Human rights organisations have described Rezai’s murder as emblematic of the broader dangers faced by Afghan migrants, particularly women, in Iran. Activists continue to call for transparency from Iranian authorities, who have yet to release detailed information about the investigation. Iranian journalists have also reported facing official restrictions on covering the case.

According to the report, the suspect, identified by the initials A.Kh, allegedly mutilated Rezai’s body and attempted to destroy evidence by dissolving it in acid. The man, reportedly employed as a security guard at a home appliances factory and said to be married, initially denied involvement during police questioning but later confessed when confronted with evidence.

Investigators believe the murder may have been triggered by the suspect’s emotional reaction upon learning of Rezai’s recent engagement. Authorities have charged him with premeditated murder, desecration of a corpse, and destruction of evidence.

Disappearance and Investigation

Rezai, also known as Shaghayegh Rezai, was reported missing by her family nearly 50 days before her body was recovered. After weeks with no contact, the family was alerted by police when unidentifiable human remains were discovered in the Pakdasht area. While initially uncertain, the family later provided DNA samples, which confirmed the remains belonged to Rezai.

Other parts of her body had earlier been found at a rubbish dump in Pishva, also in Tehran Province. The investigation led authorities to one of Rezai’s co-workers , a man previously suspected by the family due to unwanted advances toward her. Mobile phone data placed Rezai’s phone near the suspect’s residence at the time of her disappearance.

Following a court-issued warrant, police searched the suspect’s home and reportedly uncovered her dismembered remains, partially dissolved in acid in what investigators believe was an attempt to conceal the crime.

Funeral Held Under Surveillance

Rezai’s funeral took place on Monday, 9 June, under heavy security presence. Attendees told Ensaf News that filming and interviews were strictly prohibited. A relative of the victim said the family has been pressured not to speak to the media and discouraged from seeking legal retribution.

One attendee noted that the presence of Rezai’s sister in full facial covering was seen by some as a symbol of the stress and intimidation the family is experiencing.

The murder has drawn public outrage, particularly among Afghan migrant communities and human rights advocates. It comes amid a growing crackdown on Afghan migrants in Iran, including mass deportations and anti-migrant rhetoric in state media.

Ensaf News referred to the killing as a “gruesome” crime, and rights activists have urged Iranian authorities to ensure justice and protect the dignity and safety of migrants, particularly women.

Ciotti affirmed that Massoud can count on his and his party’s continued support.

Massoud travelled to France to attend a conference hosted by the Collège des Bernardins on 12 June. On the sidelines of the event, he held meetings with several French politicians, including Ciotti.

Following their meeting, Ciotti posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing Massoud as “a symbol of the struggle for civilisation, freedom, and democracy against the Taliban and Islamist extremism.” He stated that Massoud’s fight was also shared by The Republicans and expressed pride in supporting his cause.

“Ahmad Massoud can always count on our support,” Ciotti wrote.

Massoud has long-standing ties with France, a connection rooted in the legacy of his late father, Ahmad Shah Massoud, the famed anti-Taliban commander of the Northern Alliance. The younger Massoud has made frequent visits to France and was previously hosted as a special guest by President Emmanuel Macron.

His ongoing resistance against Taliban rule continues to draw international attention and support, particularly from Western political figures and advocates of democracy and human rights.

The ministry said the two officials exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional issues, and broader international matters. Among the key topics discussed were the status of Iran-US negotiations and developments in Afghanistan, though no specific details regarding their conversation on Afghanistan were disclosed.

Norway has maintained limited engagement with the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. While it hosted a high-level Taliban delegation, led by Amir Khan Muttaqi, in January 2022, Norway has since expressed concerns over the group’s continued restrictions on women and girls.

Though Norway accepted Najibullah Sherkhan as First Secretary at the Afghan Embassy earlier this year, the move sparked criticism from European civil society groups and women’s rights activists. Notably, no Taliban representatives were invited to this year’s Oslo Forum, signalling a shift in Norway’s stance.

Norwegian officials have stated that while humanitarian engagement will continue, formal political relations with the Taliban will remain limited due to ongoing human rights concerns.

Rezai, who had been living in Tehran, was abducted in April while on her way to work. On the evening of 3 June, parts of her dismembered body were found by residents in Varamin, a suburb southeast of the capital.

Despite the gruesome nature of the case, Iranian judicial authorities have not released official details about the investigation. Multiple journalists and media activists say they have received warnings from state bodies instructing them not to report, pursue, or republish news related to the murder.

These restrictions have sparked outrage, particularly among Afghan migrant communities and women’s rights groups, who have condemned the killing and the apparent efforts to silence public discourse around it.

Eyewitnesses at Rezai’s burial told Ensaf News that security forces were heavily present at the ceremony and prohibited photography or filming. A relative of the victim said the family had been pressured not to seek retribution (qisas) for the crime and was barred from speaking to the media.

Human Rights Groups Demand Accountability

Human rights activists have described Rezai’s killing as emblematic of the systemic violence faced by migrant women in Iran. Afghan women’s organisations have called for an immediate and impartial investigation by Iranian authorities, and urged international bodies to intervene to protect the rights and safety of migrant populations.

In an official statement, the Afghanistan Women’s Light of Freedom Movement demanded transparency and legal accountability for those responsible. They also called on international organisations to apply pressure on Tehran to ensure justice and uphold the dignity of migrants.

“Justice for Kubra Rezai and support for all voiceless women,” the group declared.