Ali Yazdani Executed for Murder in Rasht

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Rasht Central Prison on the morning of January 20. His identity has been established as 55-year-old Ali Yazdani and he was sentenced to qisas for murder.

Ali Yazdani was transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for his execution along with Mohsen Norouzi, who managed escape the gallows by obtaining a last minute extension.

At the time of writing, Ali’s 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.