Iranian prisoner, 55, dies of a heart attack after he is told he no longer faces the death penalty for murder he committed 18 years earlier because victim’s relatives forgave him
- The man, identified only as Akbar, was 37-years-old when he was arrested
- Along with an accomplice, he was found guilty of premeditated murder
- But while the second man was killed, Akbar was not executed in all that time
- However, he is said to have developed health issues due to the stress of waiting
- When told he would be spared, he was overjoyed and suffered a heart attack
A 55-year-old Iranian convict has suffered a fatal heart attack after hearing that he would no longer face the death penalty for a murder he committed 18 years ago because the victim’s relatives forgave him.
According to the state-run Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, the man, identified only by his first name Akbar and who came from southern Iran, was detained along with four others by the authorities for premeditated murder.
Akbar and an accomplice identified as Davood were convicted. Davood was reportedly executed for his involvement, with Akbar also set to face the same fate.
A 55-year-old Iranian convict has suffered a fatal heart attack after hearing that he would no longer face the death penalty for a murder he committed 18 years ago. Pictured: Bandar Abbas, where he was arrested 18 years ago and found guilty of premeditated murder
Akbar, who was aged 37 at the time of the murder, spent the rest of his life behind bars in Bandar Abbas fearing the death penalty, according to his family.
Stress over the years caused Akbar to suffer from a number of different illnesses.
Reports in Iran said Akbar lived in a constant state of terror that he might be called to his death at any moment.
The man would be nervous any time a voice would speak over the loud speaker in the prison, announcing that it was his turn to be executed, Iranian reports said.
But country’s dispute resolution board managed to convince the victim’s relatives to pardon the man for the murder, resulting in his release.
Reports said that the family of the victim initially refused to grant their approval for his release, but upon learning of his ill health, they eventually gave their blessing.
However, Akbar died before being released and experiencing freedom again.
Akbar, who was aged 37 at the time of the murder, spent the rest of his life behind bars in Bandar Abbas fearing the death penalty, according to his family. When the victim’s family agreed to his release, he was so overjoyed he suffered a hear attack
Pictured: Iranian officials prepare a noose in 2017 (file photo). The country is believed to execute most people per capita, with Iran Human Rights Monitor reporting that 365 prisoners were executed in 2021 alone – one per day
According to Hamshahri, Akbar suffered a heart attack after being informed that the victim’s relatives had pardoned him and he was no longer facing execution.
Overjoyed at the news, he reportedly went into shock and suffered subsequent cardiac arrest.
He was taken to a medical centre, where doctors battled to save his life. However, he died about an hour after arriving.
A number of offences are punishable by the death penalty in Iran, including murder, rape, child abuse, homosexuality, drug trafficking, armed robbery, fornication, prohibited sexual relationships and plotting to overthrow the Islamic regime.
The country is believed to execute most people per capita, with Iran Human Rights Monitor reporting that 365 prisoners were executed in 2021 alone – one per day.
The group said that the true number was likely much higher, as the government carries out most of its executions out of the public eye.
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