Akbar, 55, a native of southern Iran, was arrested 18 years ago on charges of premeditated murder.

The Iranian died of a heart attack after learning that he was no longer facing execution for the murder he committed 18 years ago, Hamshahri reports.

After knowing that the family of the deceased had pardoned him and that he was no longer facing the death penalty, Akbar suffered a heart attack and died, the newspaper reported.

According to those familiar with the case, Akbar has lived in constant terror of being executed for the murder he committed at the age of 37.

According to the reports, officials from the state’s dispute settlement board were able to persuade the family of the deceased to forgive him, but he died before being released.

Image Credit: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency

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