Iranian woman kills 11 husbands in 22 years

An Iranian woman has appeared before a revolutionary court, accused of carrying out one of the largest serial murder cases in the country’s history.

The woman, identified as Kulthum Akbari and nicknamed the ‘Black Widow’ by local media, has confessed to killing 11 husbands over 22 years to take control of their wealth and property.

According to prosecutors, Akbari married elderly men and slowly poisoned them using diabetes medicines, stimulants, and at times industrial alcohol. Most of the deaths appeared natural due to age and illness, allowing her to escape suspicion for decades.

Her last victim died in 2023, when suspicions raised by the man’s son led to a police investigation and her eventual arrest. Families of four victims have demanded the death penalty, while over 45 people have joined the case as plaintiffs.

Akbari faces 11 charges of premeditated murder and one charge of attempted murder. A verdict will be announced after the remaining hearings.