Peyman Babakhani and Mir Ali Hosseini Executed in Urmia

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, at least two men were executed in Urmia Central Prison on the morning of March 15. Their identities have been established as Peyman Babakhani and Mir Ali Hosseini, two Urmia natives who were sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder.

The two men were transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions in a group of five the previous day. The three other men were returned to their cells but their executions are likely to be carried out in the coming days.

Another prisoner, Ebrahim Nasirkhah was executed at the prison on drug-related charges yesterday.

At the time of writing, Peyman Babakhani and Mir Ali Hosseini’s executions have 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 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.