Hamed Sarbandi Executed for Murder in Qom

According to Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Qom Central Prison on July 20. His identity has been established as 32-year-old Hamed Sarbandi who was sentenced to qisas for murder.

Informed sources have told Iran Human Rights that Hamed had been a gardener prior to his arrest four years ago.

At the time of writing, his execution has not been reported by domestic media or officials in Iran.

According to data gathered by Iran Human Rights, at least 183 people were executed on murder charges in 2021. Those charged with the umbrella term of “intentional murder” are sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) regardless of intent or circumstances due to a lack of grading in law. Once a defendant has been convicted, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.