Iranian authorities prepare a man identified only as Balal to be hanged in the northern city of Noor this week. Balal was convicted in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Abdollah Hosseinzadeh seven years ago during a street fight.
Iran execution halted —
Iranian authorities prepare a man identified only as Balal to be hanged in the northern city of Noor this week. Balal was convicted in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Abdollah Hosseinzadeh seven years ago during a street fight.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Balal's mother, Koukab, cries after receiving a phone call from the court informing her that the execution would continue as scheduled the next day.
Iran execution halted —
Balal's mother, Koukab, cries after receiving a phone call from the court informing her that the execution would continue as scheduled the next day.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
People gather in Noor to pray for Balal and ask for his forgiveness.
Iran execution halted —
People gather in Noor to pray for Balal and ask for his forgiveness.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Authorities prepare the noose hours before the execution.
Iran execution halted —
Authorities prepare the noose hours before the execution.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Koukab sits on the ground amongst the crowd before her son was brought out from the prison.
Iran execution halted —
Koukab sits on the ground amongst the crowd before her son was brought out from the prison.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, mother of the murder victim, walks over to the execution stand.
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, mother of the murder victim, walks over to the execution stand.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Balal walks from the prison toward the gallows.
Iran execution halted —
Balal walks from the prison toward the gallows.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Maryam and Abdulghani Hosseinzadeh, the victim's parents, stand next to the execution platform as Balal is prepared to be hanged.
Iran execution halted —
Maryam and Abdulghani Hosseinzadeh, the victim's parents, stand next to the execution platform as Balal is prepared to be hanged.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, standing on a chair, slaps Balal.
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, standing on a chair, slaps Balal.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
The victim's parents remove the noose from around Balal's neck, saying he is forgiven.
Iran execution halted —
The victim's parents remove the noose from around Balal's neck, saying he is forgiven.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Maryam Hosseinzadeh addresses the crowd after forgiving Balal.
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh addresses the crowd after forgiving Balal.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Koukab embraces the victim's mother moments after Balal's life was spared.
Iran execution halted —
Koukab embraces the victim's mother moments after Balal's life was spared.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Balal's family embraces after the execution was halted.
Iran execution halted —
Balal's family embraces after the execution was halted.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi