20-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Suspected Honour Killing in Tbilisi

Fatima Kerimova, aged 20, was found dead in a rented apartment in Tbilisi, Georgia, in what prosecutors describe as a suspected honour killing. Authorities say she was strangled to death.

Her 26-year-old cousin, Emin Aliyev, has been charged in absentia with aggravated murder based on ‘intolerance toward equal rights of men and women.’ The charge carries a potential life sentence.

Originally from Agjabadi, Azerbaijan, Fatima had relocated to Georgia with her boyfriend in May, reportedly intending to marry. However, the boyfriend allegedly became abusive, physically assaulted her, destroyed her documents, and then abandoned her.

Investigators report that Aliyev arrived in Tbilisi on 3 June, rented the apartment where Fatima was found, and exercised strict control over her for more than three weeks. He reportedly restricted her freedom, forbade contact with relatives, limited her movements, and dictated when she could eat or leave the apartment.

20-year-old Fatima Kerimova was allegedly strangled by her cousin in a suspected honour killing after fleeing Azerbaijan - her sister says she'd sent desperate texts begging "I want to live."

The fatal incident occurred on the evening of 25 June around 10pm during an argument in the apartment on Evgenia Maisuradze Street. Fatima’s body was discovered the following day, 26 June.

Authorities believe the killing was ordered by family members as an honour-based act. Fatima’s sister, Zuleikha Kerimova, recounted receiving desperate messages from Fatima, including photos of injuries and knife threats. In one message, Fatima pleaded, “I want to live.”

Zuleikha has criticised both Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities for delays and inconsistencies in their investigations. After the alleged murder, Aliyev fled Georgia but was detained in Turkey.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan has pledged full legal cooperation with Georgian officials and is closely monitoring the case amid widespread public concern. Georgian authorities intend to request Aliyev’s extradition and pre-trial detention.

Human rights organizations, including Sapari, are providing support to the family and emphasizing the case as part of broader issues related to honour-based violence.

The investigation into the killing remains ongoing.