Iranian ‘Black Widow’ accused of killing a dozen men handed 10 death sentences by Iranian court

An Iranian court sentenced Kolthoum Akbari, 56, known as the 'Black Widow,' to death for killing 12 of her 13 husbands. She allegedly used temporary marriages to target men, killing them with pills. The Mazandaran Judiciary announced the sentence on Sunday. Akbari and victims' families have 20 days to appeal.

An Iranian court has sentenced Kolthoum Akbari, a 56-year-old woman known as Iran's 'Black Widow,' to death after she allegedly confessed to killing 12 of her 13 husbands. The Mazandaran Judiciary's public relations office told Iranian state media on Sunday that Akbari received 10 death sentences. Akbari reportedly used temporary marriages, a legally recognized practice in Iran, to target men. She would marry them, live with them for two to three months, and then kill them by giving them pills or dissolving pills in their drinks. Akbari was first arrested in September 2023 after the death of her 82-year-old 'temporary' husband, whose children accused her of murder. During the investigation, she confessed to killing him and 11 others since 2000. One victim's family forgave her, while another promised forgiveness upon payment of blood money (diyah). All of Akbari's property is to be confiscated. Akbari and the families have 20 days to appeal the verdict.