Iran set to execute protester Erfan Soltani amid mass arrests
Iran is reportedly preparing to execute a protester in what would be the first execution directly tied to the recent wave of mass anti-government demonstrations, drawing alarm from human rights groups and international observers. According to reports, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was arrested during protests in Karaj near Tehran, has been sentenced to death and could be executed by hanging as early as January 14, 2026. The pace of the legal process and limited access to independent verification has raised serious concerns, with Iran Human Rights reporting that Soltani was denied meaningful legal representation and due process before the sentence. Soltani’s family was reportedly informed of the death sentence only days after his arrest, and international rights groups have urged global attention and intervention to prevent what they view as an unjust execution.
The announcement comes amid a brutal crackdown on protesters that has seen thousands arrested and scores killed since demonstrations intensified in late December 2025, according to human rights monitoring groups. Authorities have labelled many protesters as rioters or enemies of the state, charges that carry severe penalties including death under Iran’s penal code. The widespread use of lethal force and mass arrests have drawn condemnation from international bodies, which are calling for respect for human rights, fair trials, and restraint in the application of capital punishment in cases involving political dissent.
The potential execution has triggered concern across diplomatic and human rights communities, as observers warn it may signal a further escalation in the Iranian government’s approach to suppressing dissent. Reports of nationwide unrest, internet blackouts, and heavy security presence accompany the protests, highlighting the tense situation on the ground. The unfolding events have stimulated urgent calls for transparent legal processes and international monitoring to safeguard the rights of those detained in connection with the protests.
About the Author
