A 55-year-old Iranian convict has suffered a fatal heart attack after hearing that he would no longer face the death penalty for a murder he committed nearly 20 years ago and would be released instead.

According to the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri, the man, identified only by his first name Akbar and who comes from southern Iran, was detained by the authorities 18 years ago for premeditated murder.

He carried out the crime with an accomplice identified as Davood, who was reportedly executed for his involvement, with Akbar also set to face the same fate.

Akbar, who was aged 37 at the time of the murder, spent the rest of his life behind bars fearing the death penalty, according to his family.

Stress over the years caused Akbar to suffer from a number of different illnesses.

The country’s dispute resolution board managed to convince the victim’s relatives to pardon the man for the murder, resulting in his release.

However, Akbar died before being released and experiencing freedom again.

According to Hamshahri, Akbar suffered a heart attack after being informed that the victim’s relatives had pardoned him and he was no longer facing execution.

Overjoyed at the news, he reportedly went into shock and suffered subsequent cardiac arrest.

He was taken to a medical centre, where doctors battled to save his life. However, he died about an hour after arriving.