Iran's uprising, now considered a revolution, has entered its 18th day with the regime led by Khamenei ramping up its attempts to quell protesters amid threats of violence from US President Donald Trump.
According to various human rights organisations, more than 2,000 people have died during clashes with security forces and over 10,000 have been arrested.
With the ongoing protests turning violent, there are concerns that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani could be executed on Wednesday. Human rights groups allege he could be the first person to be executed in relation to the recent protests.
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Who is Erfan Soltani?
- Erfan Soltani is a 26-year-old Iranian protester who was detained on January 8 for taking part in nationwide protests against the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
- He is a resident of Fardis in the Karaj suburb near Tehran. This area has witnessed active protests.
- Quoting National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD), The New York Post reported that Soltani's "only crime is calling for freedom of Iran". He has been blamed for "waging war against God".
- Human rights activists have said that Soltani's family has been informed about his execution reportedly to be carried out on January 14.
- The 26-year-old has allegedly been denied access to legal counsel and he has not been able to defend himself, as stated by New York Post.
- His family was informed that the execution was final and allowed only 10 minutes visit on January 11.
- Soltani's sister, who is a licensed lawyer, has reportedly been barred from accessing his case file and representing him.
What's happening in Iran?
In December 2025, people took to protest when they witnessed an economic downturn because of the fall in the Iranian Rial combined with skyrocketing inflation and constant increases in the cost of living for necessities. What started in marketplaces throughout Tehran has quickly developed into demonstrations all around Iran with students, merchants and working-class people joining together.
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Authorities in Iran have labelled those protesting as "rioters" and have enacted extensive government force against those who showed up to protest.
