Kolthoum Akbari sentenced to death for serial killings in Iran

Kolthoum Akbari, a 56-year-old woman nicknamed Iran’s ‘Black Widow,’ has been sentenced to 10 death sentences in Mazandaran Province. Authorities allege she carried out a killing spree spanning approximately two decades, targeting elderly men through ‘sigheh’—temporary marriage contracts that require a dowry but do not require witnesses.

Akbari reportedly confessed to killing between 11 and 15 people, though officials have confirmed at least 10 deaths. Investigators believe her motive was financial gain, as she allegedly collected gold, cash, and other dowry assets from her victims. Her methods involved drugging men with sedatives, diabetes medications, or industrial rubbing alcohol to mimic natural deaths or medical failures.

The investigation gained momentum following the 2023 death of her 82-year-old husband, Gholamreza Babaei, whose children filed a complaint after he reported being forced to take medications. Under Sharia law, ten families have opted for ‘qisas’ (eye-for-an-eye) punishment, while at least one family has agreed to accept ‘diya’ (blood money).