Iranian Woman Accused of Killing 11 Husbands

A sensational murder case has gripped Iran, as a woman dubbed the "Black Widow" by local media stands accused of killing 11 of her husbands over a 22-year period. Kulthum Akbari, a 56-year-old resident of the Mazandaran province, appeared before a revolutionary court this week, where she reportedly confessed to the gruesome murders, claiming she did so to inherit her victims’ wealth and property.

The case, which has been widely reported by Iranian media outlets, including Iran Wire, details a meticulous and cold-blooded killing spree that began in 2000. According to prosecutors, Akbari specifically targeted elderly men, often with significant assets. After marrying them, she would allegedly poison them slowly, using a lethal cocktail of diabetes medications, stimulants, and industrial alcohol. The victims, whose ages and pre-existing health conditions made their deaths appear natural, were cremated in some cases, further obscuring the true cause of death.

The "Black Widow's" reign of terror came to an end in 2023 following the death of her final alleged victim, Azizollah Babaei. Babaei’s son, who grew suspicious of Akbari’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, initiated a police investigation that ultimately led to her arrest. Court documents indicate that Akbari confessed to killing 11 men and attempting to murder a 12th. Prosecutors revealed that Akbari would monitor her victims' health, timing her actions to avoid suspicion.

The case has drawn immense attention, with the families of four victims already calling for the death penalty. Over 45 individuals have joined the case as plaintiffs, seeking justice for their deceased loved ones. Akbari faces 11 charges of premeditated murder and one charge of attempted murder. The court proceedings are ongoing, and a verdict is expected in the coming weeks. The trial has become a focal point for media and the public, shedding light on a chilling case of greed and deception that went undetected for more than two decades.