Iran Executes 'Black Widow' Who Killed 12 Husbands
An Iranian court has sentenced Kalthoum Akbari to death ten times following her confession to murdering twelve men. This harrowing case exposes legal loopholes that the defendant exploited through temporary marriage contracts over two decades.
Modus Operandi and Confession
Akbari, 56, admitted to luring elderly men into temporary marriages before forcing them to ingest heart and blood pressure medication. She also concealed these drugs in their beverages, ensuring their deaths occurred just days after the unions were formalized.
One victim, an 82-year-old man, alerted his sons to his suspicions prior to his death, citing sudden dizziness after consuming drinks prepared by his new wife. This warning triggered a police investigation, leading to Akbari’s arrest and subsequent confessions regarding her past crimes, including the murder of her former husband.
Legal Context and Execution Details
The discrepancy between the twelve victims and ten death sentences stems from Sharia law provisions allowing heirs to forgive blood money. One family reached a financial settlement, while others await court decisions on compensation after freezing Akbari’s assets in Mazandaran province.
This case has sparked widespread debate regarding the exploitation of temporary marriage contracts for fraud and homicide, raising critical questions about legal oversight. The matter remains under intense scrutiny due to its systematic nature and the chilling methodology employed by the perpetrator.
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