Iranian Woman Accused of Killing 11 Husbands Over Two Decades

An Iranian woman, Kolsoom Akbari, stands accused of systematically murdering eleven of her husbands over a period exceeding 22 years. The case, now before the court, has shocked the nation with its methodical and chilling details.

Although official documents list her age as being in her late 50s, the families of the victims claim she is significantly older. She faces 11 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Timeline of Alleged Murders

Modus Operandi

According to court files, Akbari allegedly began poisoning her husbands one by one from 2001 onward. Her victims were mostly elderly men whom she specifically targeted. After marrying them, she would slowly weaken them using a mix of substances. The ultimate aim, investigators believe, was to claim inheritance rights, dower payments, or other financial benefits.

The toxic agents included:

• Diabetes medications
• Aphrodisiacs
• Industrial-grade alcohol
• Sedatives or paralysing agents

In one incident, a husband was suffocated using a wet towel after being rendered unconscious. Another who initially recovered from poisoning later succumbed to a second round of drug-induced deterioration.

The Turning Point: Azizollah Babayi Case

The case began to unravel in 2023 following the mysterious death of Azizollah Babayi, a senior citizen who had recently married Akbari. His family, unfamiliar with the new bride, grew suspicious and requested an autopsy after his sudden demise.

Although initial tests were inconclusive, a family friend’s testimony proved crucial. He revealed that his own father had once married Akbari, survived a poisoning attempt, and later divorced her. This revelation prompted investigators to revisit unsolved cases from previous years.

Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction

Despite confessing to the murders during initial interrogations, Akbari later denied guilt in court. However, further evidence validated her earlier confessions, though she reportedly tried to evade detailed questioning.

Number of Victims’ Relatives Joined in Legal Complaint: Over 45
Formal Demands for Death Penalty: 4 (as of current proceedings)
Additional Relatives to Speak at Next Hearing: Remaining complainants

Mental Health Evaluation Contested

Akbari’s lawyer has called for a psychological evaluation, arguing that her mental health might have played a role. This claim has been strongly rejected by relatives of the victims.

“A mentally unstable person cannot orchestrate such a calculated plan and deceive so many families for so long,” stated one grieving family member.

Verdict Pending

With hearings concluded, the judiciary is now preparing to announce a verdict. The case continues to stir public interest and outrage in Iran and abroad due to its disturbing nature and the scale of calculated manipulation involved.

Sources: Al Arabiya, Gulf New