Akbar Farokhi Executed in Urmia

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Urmia Central Prison on 8 November. His identity has been established as Akbar Farokhi from Urmia who was sentenced to qisas for murder.

Akbar Farokhi was transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for his execution along with another murder death row prisoner on 6 November. The second man managed to obtain an extension from the plaintiffs in his case at the last minute and was returned to his cell.

At the time of writing, Akbar Farokhi’s 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, as the plaintiffs, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.