... Murderer was due to have chair kicked away by victim's mother but...

Last-minute reprieve: Incredible moment an Iranian killer is spared execution by his victim's parents while he had the noose round his neck

• Murderer was due to have chair kicked away by victim's mother and father
• But mother instead slaps him around the face and chooses to forgive him
• Convict's jubilant mother rushes over and embraces the grieving woman 
• She had change of heart after her dead son appeared to her in a dream

As he prepares to take his last breath, this is the incredible moment a murderer is spared the gallows just seconds before he is due to be hanged after a dramatic reprieve from the victim's mother.

Blindfolded and with the noose tight around his neck, the Iranian killer was due to have the scaffold chair kicked away from under him by the dead man's parents.

But as these compelling pictures show, the mother instead walks up to him, slaps him around the face and chooses to forgive him in an extraordinary act of clemency.

The parents then remove the noose to the joy of the convict's mother who runs over and embraces the grieving woman who let her son walk free.

Seconds from execution: An Iranian killer is slapped around the face by the victim's mother as he prepares to be hanged... but in an extraordinary act of clemency she chooses to let him walk free

Act of mercy: The victim's parents take the noose off the convict's neck after sparing his life, however, under Iranian law, the family does not have any say in the killer's jail sentence

The killer, known as Balala, was sentenced to death for stabbing his victim during a street fight years ago

The Iranian man was due to have the chair that he was standing on kicked away from under him by the dead man's parents

The victim's father, Abdolghani Hosseinzadeh, revealed his wife had a change of heart after her dead son appeared to her in a dream.

He said: 'Three days ago, my wife saw my elder son in a dream telling her that they are in a good place and for her not to retaliate.

'This calmed my wife and we decided to think more until the day of the execution.'

The father said her actions were even more remarkable because they had already lost a son in a motorbike crash at the age of 11, according to the Guardian which cited the semi-official state news agency Isna.

The killer, known as Balal, was sentenced to death for stabbing 18-year-old Abdollah Hosseinzadeh Jnr, during a street fight in the Iranian town of Royan seven years ago.

The victim's mother (pictured) had a change of heart after her dead son appeared to her in a dram

United by grief and joy: The convict's mother embraces the sobbing woman whose teenager was stabbed to death by her son after her incredible act of forgiveness

IRAN EXECUTES HUNDREDS A YEAR

Iran was one of the main drivers of a 15 per cent rise in executions around the globe last year, according to Amnesty International.

Figures released by the organisation suggested at least 369 people were put to death, while, in February, it said nearly 100 had already been carried out this year.

But Mr Hosseinzadeh Snr believes Balal did not mean to kill his son.

He said: 'Abdollah was offended and kicked him, but at this time the murderer took a kitch knife out of his socks. 

'Balal didn't know how to handle a knife. He was naive.'

In a literal application of the sharia law of retribution, known as qisas, the victim's family are allowed to take part in the execution.

They also have a say in sparing the death sentence, but not the jail term.

The crowds watch on as the drama unfolds - Iran was one of the main drivers of executions around the globe last year, according to Amnesty International

THE POWER BEHIND TENNIS..

Serena Williams shows no one can compete with her out of this world curves in a tiny bikini

No wonder she is proud.

The same week Serena Williams told the world that she has learned to love her 'curves,' the tennis ace has made sure everyone can see exactly what she is talking about.

The 32-year-old put her muscular but shapely physique on full display in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday.

No missing her: Serena Williams showed her impressive curves off in Miami, Florida, on Wednesday

The sports star splish splashed her way through a fun day at the beach with friends.

Looking like she was having a blast, the player and a girlfriend alternated between soaking up the sun on beach chairs and sipping on drinks in the small waves.

For her fun day in the sun, the Olympian was definitely not hiding away her shapely derriere.

Beach day: Looking like she was having a blast, the player and a girlfriend alternated between soaking up the sun on beach chairs and sipping on drinks in the small waves

Physique pride: For her fun day in the sun, the Olympian was definitely not hiding away her shapely derriere

Instead Serena donned a black and patterned bikini, which she pulled up over her hips, drawing attention to her rear end that would even give Kim Kardashian a run for her money.

Purposely clashing with her bottoms, the tennis ace wore a metallic blue underwire halter top that valiantly fought to contain her more than ample chest.

While happy to frolic in the shallows, Serena obviously had no plans to actually go for a full swim as she left her long auburn locks out but with a black scarf tied around them like a large headband.

Watch out Kim! Serena donned a black and patterned bikini, which she pulled up over her hips, drawing attention to her rear end that would even give Kim Kardashian a run for her money

Mixing it up: Purposely clashing with her bottoms, the tennis ace wore a metallic blue underwire halter top that valiantly fought to contain her more than ample chest

The star also refused to ditch her silver jewelry, which included a heart shaped pendant, a watch, a pair of big elliptical earrings and a belly chain.

The player wore a full face of makeup too and sheltered her eyes from the sun's rays with a pair of black square glasses.

Serena's friend also made sure to show off her impressive curves wearing a neon yellow retro-inspired one piece.

Ready for her close up: The player wore a full face of makeup and sheltered her eyes from the sun's rays with a pair of black square glasses

Splish splash: The 32-year-old frolicked in the small waves

Twins! Serena's friend also made sure to show off her impressive curves wearing a neon yellow retro-inspired one piece

The two ladies are obviously very good friends as they did not stop smiling throughout their beach session.

Enjoying what appeared to be a frozen margarita in the water, the ladies even posed up for a picture with Serena's fan.

While many women try to hide their curves, Serena said this week in Fitness magazine that while it has taken time, she loves her shape.

Just dipping: Serena obviously had no plans to actually go for a full swim as she left her long auburn locks out but with a black scarf tied around them like a large headband

Body love: While many women try to hide their curves, Serena said this week in Fitness magazine that while it has taken time, she loves her shape

Beach besties: The two ladies are obviously very good friends as they did not stop smiling throughout the day

She told the May issue of the magazine: 'When I was young I thought I should be built more like an athlete - long and lean - not with a womanly figure.'

But with her fans' support and admiration realized she was perfect the way she was.

'People my age started coming up to me and saying, "I love you because of the way you look." That was really motivating.

Happy hour: The pair cooled off with an iced drink which appeared to a frozen margarita

Bling, bling: The two friends wore plenty of jewelry to the beach

'So I learned to be proud of my curves and embrace my large boobs. 

'It’s all about loving who you are and realizing that you’re beautiful.'

Considering she is currently the reigning French Open, US Open and Olympic ladies singles champion, you would think tennis is completely consuming, but the star says she enjoys other sports too - especially dance.

Say cheese: The ladies even posed up for a picture with Serena's fan

Mixing it up: The ace likes to combine dance with her tennis and fitness routine

'For me it’s so important to mix it up, I ran, and then I biked,' she told Fitness. 'Then I did elliptical … I tried yoga. 

'I started dancing because I couldn’t train when I was sick. We started making up moves, and it was fun. Now I run for 10 minutes and then I dance.'

As one of tennis' greats, Serena has always been very fit but two serious health issues - both her own and her sister's - has changed the way she trains and eats.

Healthy eating: A health scare in 2011 set the star on a path to a better diet, which includes eating raw foods 

Early in 2011 Serena was hospitalised with a blood clot in her lungs and her sister Venus suffers from an auto immune condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome. 

'[Following her illness] it was the first time that tennis was the last thing on my mind. I didn’t even think, ''I gotta practice because I’ve got to beat this girl'' … At one point, I was just thinking, ''Will I be OK?''

'I realized that I’m really fortunate to be alive and to be playing, and that it’s not the end of the world if I don’t win... It was the first time I’ve ever had so much fun on the court. Now I know I don’t have to play again if I don’t want to. I play because I love it.'

More relaxed: The 32-year-old champ says she now plays tennis not because she has to, but because she loves to

Getting better has meant eating better - especially around her sister.

'It all started because I didn’t want to bring bad food into the house. 

'I live with my sister, Venus, who has Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Before her problems I ate a lot of junk I also found out three years ago that I’m allergic to wheat, so I’m trying to eat a clean diet of natural, raw foods.'

Shape support: The star said positive comments from her fans made her realise her shape was perfect the way it was

Yikes: Serena's seriously hot body was something to be admired as she tied up her hair 

And she's off: The star threw on a white dress, grabbed her shoes and tottered off the beach with her friends

Masked Al Qaeda fighter who was described as 'Arsenal football player........

Revealed: Masked Al Qaeda fighter who was described as 'Arsenal football player' is believed to be Portuguese citizen who may have attended coaching sessions at the club

• Extremist appeared in video claiming to be a former Arsenal player
• It has now emerged he may be a Portuguese national, sources say
• Arsenal say they have no record of him as a full-time player
• Rumours had been circulating online that player was Lassana Diarra
• Diarra's lawyer denied the gossip 'in the most categoric fashion'

A masked Al Qaeda terrorist described as a former Arsenal player in an online video has been identified, it was claimed today.

The man, who appeared in the film using a false name, has been identified as a Portuguese citizen, sources have disclosed.

It is believed he had been living in Leyton, east London, but it is unclear whether he had trials with Arsenal or any association with the club.

In a video posted on an extremist website on Saturday a man claimed to be a former Arsenal footballer now fighting in Syria

Sources told The Guardian they do not believe he was a full-time player but he may have attended coaching sessions when potential players are assessed.

A spokesman for the club said: 'We do not recognise the individual from the published clips and we don't have any record of this man representing the club at any level.'

False rumours had spread that he was former Premiership football star Lassana Diarra, 29, who played for a number of big name English clubs including Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth.

As a result, Mr Diarra was forced to deny claims that he had become an Islamic warrior fighting in Syria, saying he had never set foot in the war-torn country. 

'Former Arsenal footballer' joins extremist fighters in Syria

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Portsmouth player Lassana Diara (right) was forced to deny rumours circulating on Twitter that he is a jihadist fighting in Syria

A lawyer for the French national said he has never even set foot in Syria and currently plays football in Russia

The footage, which appeared two weeks ago and is apparently shot in Syria, shows the man calling on Muslims in the West to travel to the war-torn region and fight with radical militants.

The man, whose face is hidden by a balaclava and is seen clutching an AK47 rifle, is identified as Abu Isa al-Andalus.

According to FiSyria.com, the site that posted the video, the man moved to London from his native country to play for Arsenal after growing up alongside a world-famous footballer. 

The man's face is covered during the video, in which he clutches an AK47 assault rifle

A spokesman for Arsenal say they have no record of a past player with his name

It claims the man was radicalised in the capital two years ago before 'leaving everything' to join the Al Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

He later adds: 'We have conquered many cities and we are now implementing the Sharia. We have areas where the kaffirs (non-Muslims) are paying us the tax.

'If we stay in the kaffir countries we have to pay (taxes) to them. Do you want to be humiliated by this? Think about it.

'If you have family in these (Western) countries it's a must for you to put your children in the kaffir schools. "Who is going to teach your children?" It's going to maybe be a gay, maybe a drug dealer, maybe a paedophile.

'It's very important for you to protect your children. Allah says they are the worst of creatures.'

The Russian-based website does not confirm the man's previous identity on the page, which shows two videos each roughly four-minutes long.

MEET ICE-T's WIFE

Racy in lace! Coco Austin leaves nothing to the imagination as she poses in VERY tight see-through black dress

She may be the wife of Ice-T and a reality star, but Coco Austin is perhaps best known for her bootylicious body and penchant for leaving little to the imagination.

And she did not disappoint with her latest photoshoot share, treating her social media followers to racy snaps of her fitness model body beneath a see-through lace dress.

The 35-year-old appeared to be entirely nude beneath the tight black number, which she delivered to over a million followers on Tuesday.

Coco showed off her famously curvaceous and surgically enhanced figure in the clingy number, which covered her arms but ended at her upper thighs.

The lace fabric and after-effects were skillfully hidden any specifics beneath, but the shapely angles made the necessities clear.

Her lips, eyes and cheeks were heavily decorated with glamorous makeup and her lengthy blonde tresses were pinned back and fell around her shoulders.

Her neck was decorated in crystal bling to match the chandeliers as she struck a sultry pose, before lying down and showing off her well known behind in a side shot.

Coco has recently been living in New York City, preparing for appearances in an off-Broadway burlesque show alongside dance troupe The Vanity Vixens.

She recently gushed about the show in a Q & A with her Facebook fans – saying she prefers it to performing in Las Vegas.

'No, I wouldn't do Vegas again. It was just too hard being away from Ice and having the dogs and not knowing what to do with the dogs and just kind of bouncing around,' Coco said. 

'That's why this new burlesque show in New York, I'm so into it because I don't have to leave to go anywhere. It's like heaven. It's something I really love to do and I really loved doing peep show and being able to dance every single night—that's my passion.'

Her favourite angle: The pretty 35-year-old fitness model and wife of Ice-T does take any opportunity to show off her famed behind

Coco admitted she is a big homebody.

'Honestly this is going to sound so strange but I love cleaning my house,' she said. 'I look at our week and say maybe that's the day I can spend all day at home and not do much and just clean and do my laundry. I'm a homebody. I like to spend time at home and not do anything. I love being at home.'

She also revealed that she and Ice-T are working on a new secret TV project in conjunction with Ryan Seacrest, since the cancellation of the Ice Loves Coco reality series that ended its two-year run on E! in February.

Ice-T discussed the ending of the reality series: 'We stopped the reality show because after a certain amount of time it loops and people get you.

'You've done everything you do and then you do it over again. After some time you start doing things you normally wouldn't do - like let's put Ice on a horse. That's when it gets corny.'

Going strong: Coco Austin has been married to rapper Ice-T since 2001 and they're pictured together here at the ESPN Super Bowl Party in NYC in January

IS IT A PHONE?

Is it a phone? The hilarious reactions of baffled children presented with a Sony Walkman cassette player

• The Sony Walkman cassette player was first introduced in 1979
• It stop being produced in 2010 and now there are dozens of more high-tech products in the Walkman family

Children's perplexed reactions to a Sony Walkman have been caught on camera, with the majority frustrated at operating clunky buttons over a touch screen.

Los Angeles-based filmmakers Benny and Rafi Fine asked volunteers aged six to 13 to guess what the bulky device was, with suggestions including a 'walkie-talkie' or 'boombox'.

'What is this?' one nine-year-old girl quizzed as she investigated the Eighties-era cassette player, while another exclaimed 'I'm not going to give up, I'm a survivor,' as she determinedly tried to figure out how it worked.

Scroll down for video

A walkie talkie? The perplexed reactions from today's youth as they see Sony Walkman for the first time have been captured in a new YouTube video

After being told that it is used for playing music, a YouTube video shows each child being handed a cassette tape.

'I never seen this.' nine-year-old Kacey exclaims, while Krischelle, also nine, says 'oooo' in intrigue.

The next problem they encounter is how to insert the plastic audio case.

Some give up after spending several minutes prodding an poking the Walkman but others successfully discover that the front opens up.

Baffled: Los Angeles-based filmmakers Benny and Rafi Fine asked volunteers aged six to 13 to try and figure out how the bulky device worked

Historical artifact: Along with the Walkman, many of the children had never seen a cassette tape either

'I feel like I'm Indiana Jones or something,' 12-year-old Elle rejoices as she solves the mystery.

After the children have inserted the cassettes they are then confused why they can't hear any music.

'Ah this is a rip-off because you want to listen but you can't because you don't have any headphones,' seven-year-old Evan says.

So they can listen to their mix tapes, the young volunteers are given vintage headphones with foam pad ear covers.

'Ah my grandpa has these,' Jayka, 11, notes.

Still learning! Poor Maxim didn't figure out how to use the volume scroll before plugging in his foam pad earphones - like most of his peers he was confused by the number of different buttons on the device

Finally all of the children are seen smiling after getting the Walkman to work.

Asked if they prefer the technology of today for music or the past, the majority say that they would opt for their iPhone or iPads any day.

'I feel so lazy saying this but you actually have to do stuff,' Elle says. 

Others are dismayed by the fact you can only play one tape at a time and also about the device's hefty size. The Sony Walkman, when it was first introduced in 1979, weighed 14oz compared to an iPhone 5 which weighs about 4oz.

End of an era: Sony produced the cassette tape-playing Walkman until 2010 and now there are dozens of more high-tech products in the Walkman family

However, Maxim, aged seven, says the Walkman might have some cost and time-saving benefits.

'It actually wouldn't take so long because on the iPad you have to go into the internet find Pandora, you have to click that thing, you have to make it play . . . and the iPad is $700.

To date the YouTube film has been watched almost three million times since it was uploaded on April 13. 

Many older viewers have said it's 'depressing' how old the children's reactions make them feel. 

'I got my first Walkman back in 1997, I was soooo hyped!' one commenter reminisced.

Sony produced the cassette tape-playing Walkman until 2010 and now there are dozens of more high-tech products in the Walkman family