Name: Hossein*
Interviewing Organization: Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC)
Date of Interview: March 12, 2024
Interviewer: IHRDC Staff
This statement was prepared pursuant to an audio interview with one of Mr. Hossein’s relatives. There are 4 paragraphs in the statement.
The views and opinions of the witness expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center.
*Pseudonym assigned to protect the witness’s identity.
Statement
- I am speaking on behalf of a relative of mine. Several years ago, he lost both his wife and child in a tragic gas leak incident at their home. He survived by what can be described as a miracle. He spent some time in hospital before eventually being discharged. The years that followed were extremely difficult for him. The loss was devastating, and coming to terms with it was far from easy. At the time, he worked as a seasonal laborer and had very limited financial means. For a long period, he was emotionally unable to return to work. Eventually, at the urging of his family and in an effort to rebuild his life, he remarried and started a new family.
- Some time later, when the family of his late wife became aware of the situation, they filed a criminal complaint against him on the grounds of involuntary manslaughter and petitioned the court for blood-money (diya) compensation. They also initiated legal proceedings to enforce payment of their daughter’s unpaid mehrieh [a marital financial entitlement owed by a husband to his wife].
- Because the family used their influence during the court proceedings, my relative was ultimately found liable for negligence relating to the gas piping system in the rented property where the incident occurred. The court ordered him to pay the diya. He appealed the judgment, but the appellate court upheld the decision of the lower court.
- At present (at the time of this account), he is behind bars because he is unable to pay either the diya or his late wife’s mehrieh. His only asset is a run-down old house, where his second wife and their child currently live. They have no other means of support and no one to turn to for help.