Iran is reportedly preparing to execute its first protester amid widespread demonstrations across the country. Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man arrested last week during protests in Karaj near Tehran, is set to be hanged this Wednesday without a proper trial, as reported by human rights organizations.
According to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), Soltani’s family has been informed of his death sentence, which is scheduled to be carried out on January 14. The organization has documented at least 648 fatalities among the demonstrators, including nine minors, although they suspect the actual death toll could exceed 6,000. The ongoing internet blackout has severely hindered independent verification of these claims, and an estimated 10,000 individuals have been detained during the protests.
IHR’s director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, expressed grave concerns about the violence perpetrated against civilian protesters, likening it to human rights abuses from the 1980s that are widely recognized as crimes against humanity. He emphasized the need for the international community to intervene and protect protesters from mass killings orchestrated by the Iranian regime.
Another organization, the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD), has echoed these sentiments, appealing for global support to prevent Soltani’s execution. They described his only “crime” as calling for freedom in Iran, stating, “Be his voice” to rally support for his cause.
Soltani faces severe charges, including “waging war against God,” which carries the death penalty in Iran. The NUFD claimed he has been denied access to legal representation. Amid these unfolding events, Iran’s government has sought to display a façade of control through pro-government rallies, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserting that the protest movement has been defeated.
Khamenei characterized these mass gatherings as a testament to national strength and a “warning” to the United States, as state media reported on demonstrators showing support for the government. In a bid to frame the current unrest, government officials have denounced the protests as “riots” and have focused on international adversaries, including the U.S. and Israel, suggesting they are part of a coordinated effort against the Iranian state.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials are reportedly exploring various responses to Iran’s actions, including potential cyberattacks or military strikes, amid the crisis surrounding the protests and ensuing violence.
The situation remains critical, with growing calls for international advocacy to protect those facing execution and to ensure their voices are heard on a global stage.