Mehdi Tazakori Executed for Murder in Ardabil

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Ardabil Central Prison on November 2. His identity has been established as Mehdi Tazakori, who was sentenced to qisas for murder.

An informed source told Iran Human Rights: “Mehdi Tazakori was arrested for the murder of his wife around four years ago and sentenced to qisas. He was transferred for execution from Ward One of Ardabil Central Prison. His victim’s family weren’t willing to forgo their right to execution.”

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

According to data gathered by Iran Human Rights, at least 183 people were executed on murder charges in 2021. 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, the victim’s family are required to choose between death as retribution, diya (blood money) or forgiveness.