Iran is set to execute Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man detained during recent anti-government protests, in what is being described as the first reported execution linked to the latest wave of unrest under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Soltani, a resident of Fardis, west of Tehran, was arrested on January 8 in connection with protests in the nearby city of Karaj. According to sources close to his family, he was sentenced to death within days of his arrest, without a formal trial.
A relative told BBC Persian that the process moved with unusual speed.
“Within just two days, the court issued a death sentence, and the family was told that he is due to be executed on Wednesday,” the relative said.
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The family was informed on Monday that the execution would be carried out this week. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the charges against Soltani.
Concerns over rapid sentencing
International attention has focused on the case of Erfan Soltani amid fears that the Iranian judiciary is rapidly moving against protest detainees as part of a broader crackdown.
Human rights observers say that the transparency of the charges and reported absence of a trial raise serious due process concerns. If carried out, Soltani's execution would mark the first confirmed hanging in connection with the current wave of nationwide protests.
Demonstrations have taken place in cities across the nation with protesters angry over governance, economic hardship, and political repression. Mass arrests have been issued and internet and communication services restricted.
US issues warning to Tehran
Reacting to reports of impending executions, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that Washington would act if the hangings took place.
"We will take very strong actions if they do such thing," Trump told CBS News.
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He reiterated earlier remarks suggesting international support for protesters, stating that “help is on its way.” Trump also commented on the death toll linked to the unrest, saying that reports varied widely but stressed that “one death is too much.”
Rising death toll reported
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based group that tracks unrest in Iran, said that at least 2,571 people have been killed as of early Wednesday, although Iranian authorities have not confirmed these figures.
The situation remains volatile, with limited information emerging due to communication restrictions inside the country.
