Iran Prepares to Execute Young Protester in First Death Sentence Amid Crackdown
Iranian authorities have reportedly scheduled the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani. The young man faces hanging for the charge of "waging war against God." Human rights organizations identify this as the first death sentence linked to the recent wave of anti-government protests sweeping the nation.
Details of the Case and Legal Concerns
Erfan Soltani comes from Fardis, a suburb of Karaj near Tehran. Authorities arrested him for taking part in widespread protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. These demonstrations began in early January.
The Norway-based Kurdish civil rights group Hengaw has expressed deep concern over the legal process. They report a severe lack of transparency. According to sources, the Soltani family received notification that the death sentence is final. Officials informed them it will proceed as planned.
Human rights advocates allege Soltani received no basic legal rights. They say he had no access to a lawyer. His sister, a licensed attorney, was reportedly barred from reviewing his case or representing him. However, conflicting reports state the family did get a brief ten-minute visit after learning of the sentence on January 11.
International Reaction and Warnings
The National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD) stated Soltani's only crime was calling for freedom. They have urged the international community to intervene and stop the execution.
Lebanese-Australian entrepreneur Mario Nawfal posted a warning on social media platform X. He alleged authorities are using fear to suppress dissent. Nawfal claimed this execution could be the first of many. He also stated nearly 2,000 people have died in the ongoing unrest.
Background of the Nationwide Protests
The current protests erupted in late December 2025. Severe economic distress fueled the public anger. A sharp fall in the value of the Iranian rial, rising inflation, and soaring prices for essential goods pushed people into the streets.
What started in Tehran's bazaars quickly spread across the country. Students, shopkeepers, and working-class citizens joined the demonstrations. Iranian authorities have labeled the protesters as "rioters" and launched a major crackdown.
A report from the Human Rights News Agency provides grim statistics. It states at least 544 people have been killed. More than 10,681 individuals have faced arrest and transfer to prisons.
Historical Context of Iranian Protests
This is not the first period of major unrest in Iran. The last significant protests occurred in 2022-2023. They were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. She was arrested for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code for women.
Before that, mass rallies took place in 2009 following disputed elections. The current situation adds another chapter to Iran's history of public dissent and government response.
Due to a nationwide communications blackout, independent verification of the execution order remains difficult. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the Iranian regime and its citizens demanding change.
