Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); December 15, 2021: Sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder, Mohammad Khodayi was executed in Ardabil Central Prison on December 15.
According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Ardabil Central Prison on the morning of December 15. His identity has been established as 40-year-old Mohammad Khodayi who was sentenced to qisas for murder.
Speaking to Iran Human Rights, an informed source said: “Mohammad Khodayi was arrested for the murder of his wife five years ago and was held in Ward One of the prison prior to his execution.”
At the time of writing, his execution has not 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."
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 intent and the circumstances.