Mehdi Baboli Executed in Ahvaz; 61 Executions in July

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz on 1 August. His identity has been established as Mehdi Baboli-Bahmaei who was sentenced to qisas for murder.

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.

Journalist Farzad Seifikaran who first reported news of Mehdi’s execution told Iran Human Rights: “Not only was his execution carried out during the month of Moharram (when executions are not supposed to be carried out), but according to the documents and witnesses, he had unintentionally caused the death in a car accident.”

Once a defendant has been convicted, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.

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

In July 2023, at least 61 people including four women, 11 Baluch and five Afghan nationals. 32 of the 61 people were sentenced to death for drug-related charges, 19 for murder, six for rape charges and four for moharebeh (enmity against god).

Executions have increased dramatically in 2023 with at least 419 executions recorded between 1 January-31 July 2023 by Iran Human Rights. Of the 419 recorded executions, 10 were women, 85 Baluch minorities and 11 Afghan nationals. Drug-related executions have also continued to rise dramatically with at least 239 people executed for the charges in the first seven months of 2023.