[Benjamin]

56-year-old Iranian woman, Kulthum Akbari, stands accused of systematically poisoning at least 11 elderly husbands over a span of 22 years. Her calculated killings, which began around 2000 and continued until 2023, were reportedly motivated by financial gain. The methodical nature of her crimes and the long period over which they took place have earned her the grim nickname of Iran’s “Black Widow.”

Akbari’s alleged scheme involved carefully providing deadly doses of medications and toxic substances such as sedatives, diabetes drugs, and industrial alcohol to her victims. These poisons mimicked symptoms of natural illnesses common among elderly individuals, such as heart problems and diabetes complications, which helped hide the true causes of death. Her victims, often in poor health and elderly, seemed to surrender to natural causes, leaving no immediate reason for suspicion.

Following the death of her husband, Akbari reportedly transferred the deceased’s wealth and properties into the name of her daughter, steadily increasing the family’s fortune. Authorities estimate that she killed multiple men over a span of 22 years, though the exact number remains uncertain as Akbari herself was unable to detail the full count during interrogation.

The breakthrough in the case came in 2023 following the suspicious death of Akbari's latest husband, Gholamreza Babaei. Suspicious circumstances and the persistence of his son in seeking the truth prompted a thorough investigation. It was then revealed that Akbari had previously attempted to poison other husbands, including a man who survived a poisoning attempt in 2020, which was initially disregarded.

Following her arrest, Akbari confessed to her crimes and indicated that the total number of victims might be as high as 15. This revelation shocked not only the victims’ families but also the wider Iranian public. More than 45 individuals have since moved forward to seek justice, highlighting the far reaching impact of her actions.

Currently awaiting trial in Iran’s Revolutionary Court, Akbari’s case has raised complex legal and ethical questions. While her defense lawyers have requested a psychiatric evaluation, suggesting possible mental health issues, the families of the victims strongly oppose this claim. They argue that the careful planning and repeated execution of the poisonings demonstrate clear intent and awareness, not mental instability.

Iran’s legal system allows for capital punishment for severe crimes, and the families of the victims are insisting on the death penalty for Akbari. The trial is expected to be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it brings attention to issues of crime, justice, and the legal handling of suspected serial killers in Iran.

The allegations against Kulthum Akbari have shocked Iranian society and triggered widespread discussions about the nature of trust and betrayal within families. The fact that these crimes allegedly spanned over two decades raises unsettling questions about the ability of law enforcement to notice such patterns early on.

As the trial progresses, many await a verdict that will bring closure to the families devastated by the loss of their loved ones. Meanwhile, the story serves as a severe reminder of the extremes to which some individuals may go driven by greed and deception.

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