Mehdi Azarioun Executed in Urmia

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, at least one man was executed in Urmia Central (Darya) Prison on 31 January. His identity has been established as Mehdi Azarioun who was sentenced to qisas (retribution-in-kind) for the murder of her sister’s husband.

At the time of writing, his 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.