Shahram Mortazavi Executed for Murder in Gorgan

According to HRANA news agency, a man was executed in Gorgan Prison on January 11. His identity has been reported as Shahram Mortazavi from Fazel Abad (Golestan province) who was sentenced to qisas for murder.

An informed source told Iran Human Rights: “Mr Mortazavi was arrested for a murder committed during a brawl and sentenced to death.”

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

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.