Iranian prisoner dies of heart attack after death penalty retracted

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. (AFP/File Photo)

• 55-year-old was told family of victim he murdered 18 years ago had forgiven him

LONDON: A 55-year-old Iranian convict died from a heart attack after being informed that his death penalty sentence was being retracted for a murder he committed 18 years ago because the victim’s family forgave him.

Iranian newspaper Hamshahri said the man, Akbar, had been detained along with four others for premeditated murder.

He was convicted along with another man, Davood, who had reportedly already been executed for his involvement in the murder.

A dispute-resolution board mediated between the victim’s family and Akbar. The family initially resisted granting clemency, but eventually gave their support after hearing of his poor health. 

But as the family experienced a change of heart, Akbar’s failed, with the overjoyed prisoner dying before he could taste freedom.