Two more people have escaped death by hanging with the consent of their victims’ families in recent days.

The Etemad daily reports that in Tonkabon, a murder convict was pardoned at the gallows on the morning of Wednesday May 21, and the head of Neyshapour prisons announced that one of the prisoners was released from his death sentence with the consent of the victim’s family.

Ten days ago, the head of Zanjan prisons also announced that efforts by officials have led families to consent to release seven prisoners from their death sentences.

The Iranian judiciary has promoted its efforts to gain consent from the families of victims to forego the execution of prisoners on death row. According to Sharia law, the families of murder victims have a right to demand Qesas, so that the punishment of the perpetrator is equal to the crime; however, the death sentence can be rescinded should the family consent to forgive.

Radio Zamaneh