Vahid Mousavi Executed for Murder in Karaj

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, five men were taken to the gallows on the morning of March 3 in Rajai Shahr Prison. Of the five, one was executed and five were returned to their cells after the victims’ families agreed to extensions.

The identity of the executed man has been established as Vahid Mousavi who was sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for murder. 

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

According to Iran Human Rights’ Annual Report on the Death Penalty, at least 211 of the 267 people executed in 2020 were sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for "premeditated murder."

As there are no legal distinctions made between murder and manslaughter and no grading, whether voluntary or involuntary in Iran, those charged under the umbrella term of “premeditated murder” will receive the death penalty regardless of intent and the circumstances.