Aref Havasi Executed for Murder in Ilam

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Ilam Central Prison on 20 June. His identity has been established as Aref Havasi from the Malekshahi tribe in Ilam. He was sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder.

An informed source told Iran Human Rights: “Aref Havasi was arrested two years ago for a murder committed during a group fight in Chardaval and sentenced to death.”

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

According to the 2022 Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 582 people were executed in Iran. Of those, 288 were executed for murder charges.

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.