Mojtaba Shaker Executed for Murder in Yazd Central Prison

According to new information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Rasht Central Prison on 6 October 2021. His identity has been established as 40-year-old Mojtaba Shaker from Ardakan who was sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder.

An informed source told Iran Human Rights: “Mojtaba Shaker was a father of three and had spent two years behind bars prior to his execution. He was held in Ardakan Prison for a year and the second year in Ward 3 of Yazd Central Prison.”

Mojtaba’s execution has not been announced by domestic media or officials despite more than four months passing.

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 and no grading, 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.