A young Iranian protester, Erfan Soltani, is reportedly facing execution after being allowed only ten minutes to say goodbye to his family. According to a report from IranWire, the 26-year-old was arrested during anti-government demonstrations on January 8. Security officials informed his family that this would be their last farewell before he is executed.
Soltani is believed to be the first of the detained protesters facing death sentences amid the ongoing unrest against the Islamic Republic. Reports indicate that he has been denied access to legal representation and a fair trial. The Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO stated that even a close relative, who is a lawyer, was obstructed from taking on Soltani’s case and was threatened by security agents. A source familiar with the situation revealed, “They told him, ‘There is no file to review. We announced that anyone arrested in the protests would be executed.'”
Escalating Crackdown on Protests
The situation surrounding Soltani’s case reflects a broader crackdown on dissent in Iran. His family has reportedly faced threats of arrest for attempting to speak publicly about his case or engage with the media. Soltani is charged with “waging war against God,” a crime which carries a death penalty in Iran. As the details of his execution orders have yet to be independently confirmed, the ongoing communications blackout in the country complicates verification efforts.
Soltani, who previously worked in the clothing industry, participated in protests in Karaj, where thousands rallied against the government’s failure to address economic challenges. Since the demonstrations began in late December, human rights organizations indicate that more than 10,000 protesters have been arrested across Iran’s 31 provinces. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that the death toll from the protests ranges between 500 and 2,000 individuals.
International Reactions to the Unrest
In response to the escalating violence, former President Donald Trump encouraged Iranians to persist in their protests, asserting that the United States would support them. On Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social, urging, “Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY.” He emphasized a commitment to halt discussions with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters comes to an end.
As the Iranian government continues its crackdown, the situation remains tense, with widespread calls for accountability and reform in the face of rising casualties and arrests. The international community is watching closely as the fate of Soltani and countless others hangs in the balance.
