Iran Denies Execution Plan for Protester Erfan Soltani

Iran Denies Execution of Protester Erfan Soltani

The Iranian judiciary has dismissed claims regarding a scheduled execution for Erfan Soltani, a man arrested amid the recent protests in the country. The Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw stated that Soltani's family, aged 26, was informed that he had reportedly been sentenced to death just days after his detention.

According to these reports, Soltani's execution was "postponed," but there are "serious and ongoing concerns" regarding his life. Judicial authorities asserted that Soltani faces charges of "aiding against national security" and "propaganda against the system," offenses not punishable by death, according to state radio IRIB.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, also indicated that there is no execution plan in place. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take "very tough measures" if Iran continued to execute protesters. On Wednesday, he stated that "very important sources on the other side" informed him that "killings in Iran have stopped and there are no execution plans."

Hengaw reported that Soltani has been denied access to a lawyer and that his family was unaware of the official charges against him. Soltani, a clothing store owner, was taken from his home last Thursday during protests in Fardis, near Tehran, according to information provided by the group and his family. However, authorities insisted that he was arrested during "riots" on Saturday and is being held in a prison in the neighboring city of Karaj.

Currently, Iran is experiencing a new wave of protests triggered by merchants in Tehran who have gone on strike due to rising living costs and currency devaluation. The protests quickly escalated into a movement against the country's clerical establishment, especially targeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Slogans shouted by demonstrators include "Death to the dictatorship" and "Seyyed Ali [Khamenei] will be overthrown this year."

According to the U.S. Human Rights Agency (HRANA), at least 2,435 protesters have been killed since the unrest began, including 13 children and 153 individuals affiliated with security forces or the government. Additionally, reports indicate that over 18,470 protesters have been arrested.