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

An Iranian court has sentenced Kolthoum Akbari, a 56-year-old woman dubbed the 'Black Widow,' to death after she allegedly confessed to murdering 12 of her 13 husbands. The Mazandaran Judiciary's public relations office reported that Akbari confessed to killing her victims over a period of years, with only one family forgiving her and another promising forgiveness upon payment of blood money.

“

The woman said she would marry men temporarily and, after living with them for around two to three months, would kill her victims by giving them pills or dissolving the pills in their drinks.

Akbari's method involved temporary marriages, known as sigheh or mut'ah in Iran, where she would live with men for two to three months before killing them. Her victims were reportedly poisoned through pills or by dissolving them in their drinks. The court has ordered the confiscation of all of Akbari's property.

“

Only one of Akbari’s victims said they forgave her for the death of their male relative, while a second family promised to give forgiveness once diyah (blood money) was paid.

The investigation into Akbari began in September 2023 after the suspicious death of her 82-year-old temporary husband. His children accused Akbari of murder, leading to a broader investigation that uncovered her alleged pattern of killings dating back to 2000. Akbari's own children also accused her of murder following the elderly husband's death.

“

Akbari had reportedly received a dowry of 5 billion rials for her temporary marriage to her 82-year-old husband.

Both Akbari and the families of her alleged victims have 20 days to file an appeal with a higher court. The verdict will become final after this period, pending the outcome of any appeals.

“

Months before the elderly man passed, he told his children that Akbari had forced him to take medication for his heart and blood pressure, and he would often fall unconscious after consuming it.