Afghan National Executed for Murder in Isfahan

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, an Afghan national was executed in Isfahan Central Prison on the morning of March 16. Sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder, his identity has only been identified by his first name, Zobeid.

He was arrested and on death row for around five years.

At the time of writing, Zobeid’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 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.