On 10/8, Kolthoum Akbari, dubbed "Iran's Black Widow" by the media, was handed 10 death sentences along with additional prison terms related to attempted murder charges.

Akbari resided in Mazandaran province, where she married elderly men through temporary marriages. This form of contractual marriage in Iran has a fixed term and includes a dowry.

After marrying, Akbari administered various drugs or substances to her victims, including sedatives, diabetes medication, and industrial alcohol. She then suffocated them with a scarf. The victims lived in different towns, making it difficult for Akbari to be detected.

Authorities state that the exact number of former husbands Akbari murdered is unclear, with the actual figure potentially reaching 12 or more. Greed is believed to be the motive, as Akbari collected gold, cash, and dowries from her victims.

Kolthoum Akbari confessed to murdering "13 or 15 husbands". *Nypost*.

The murder spree ended in 2023 when the death of her 82-year-old husband, Gholamreza Babaei, triggered an investigation by authorities. Shortly before his passing, Babaei had told relatives that Akbari forced him to take medication.

In a confession given about a year ago, Akbari stated: "I don't know how many people I killed. Maybe 13 or 15. I don't remember exactly".

Ten victims' families demanded the death penalty for Akbari, while at least one family agreed to accept financial compensation instead of the death penalty.

The Mazandaran Provincial Judiciary announced the verdict after the trial. Akbari and the victims' families have until the end of the month to appeal the decision.

Tue Anh (based on Nypost)