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
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
Iran execution halted —
People gather in Noor to pray for Balal and ask for his forgiveness.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Authorities prepare the noose hours before the execution.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Koukab sits on the ground amongst the crowd before her son was brought out from the prison.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, mother of the murder victim, walks over to the execution stand.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Balal walks from the prison toward the gallows.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
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
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh, standing on a chair, slaps Balal.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
The victim's parents remove the noose from around Balal's neck, saying he is forgiven.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Maryam Hosseinzadeh addresses the crowd after forgiving Balal.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Koukab embraces the victim's mother moments after Balal's life was spared.
courtesy Arash Khamooshi
Iran execution halted —
Balal's family embraces after the execution was halted.