Five Unidentified Men Executed in Rajai Shahr Prison

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, five men were executed on murder charges in Rajai Shahr Prison on September 15. The identities of the five men who were transferred from Wards 2, 5 and 7 have not been determined at the time of writing.

Mohammad Safari, who went to the gallows with the five men, was returned to solitary confinement until his victim’s family decides whether they wish to pursue retribution or demand diya (blood money) or forgive him instead.

Speaking to IHR, an informed source said: “Mohammad Safari was a municipal officer who was clearing off a street-vendor when he got into a fight and killed the street vendor after punching him once. This isn’t the first time he has gone to the gallows. They’re waiting to see whether he can get consent from his victim’s family or they’ll execute him next week.”

At the time of writing, none of the five men’s executions have been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.

According to Iran Human Rights’ Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 211 of the 267 people executed in 2020 were sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for "premeditated murder." One case of qassameh was recorded by IHR in 2020.

As there are no legal distinctions made between murder and manslaughter, whether voluntary or involuntary in Iran, those charged under the umbrella term of “premeditated murder” will receive the death penalty regardless of the intent and circumstances.