English
English
English
In Tehran, protests have spiraled into a deadly revolt. Amid violent crackdowns, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani faces public execution for “chanting for freedom.” Who is he, and why has his story sparked global outrage?
Tehran has launched a violent crackdown on the protests, branding those involved as "rioters."
Tehran: Protests in Iran have now escalated into a full-blown movement, continuing even on the 18th day. Amid threats of foreign intervention and widespread unrest, Iran’s Khamenei-led regime has responded with severe crackdowns.
Clashes between security forces and demonstrators have left over 2,000 people dead, with more than 10,000 detained. In the midst of this unrest, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani faces a looming public execution.
Erfan Soltani ran a small clothing store in Fardis, central Iran. He was arrested from his home and quickly sent to prison, where he was sentenced to death. Human rights groups say his “only crime was chanting for freedom” during the protests. Soltani was not a political activist, but part of a generation of young Iranians voicing opposition to the current government.
Erfan Soltani: Iran protester to be executed today; Family got just 10 minutes for final meeting
According to The Guardian, a court hearing for Soltani took place on January 11. Speaking to Daily Mail, Arina Moradi of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said that Soltani’s family is in deep shock and despair. Reports suggest that the authorities plan to hang Soltani in a public square to instill fear among protesters.
The family stated that for several days they had no information about Soltani’s condition. Eventually, Iranian officials informed them of his arrest and impending execution. A family source revealed that just four days after his arrest, they were notified of the death sentence.
Human rights groups say Erfan Soltani has been systematically denied basic rights. His sister, a licensed lawyer, has attempted to pursue legal channels, but has been barred from accessing the case files.
Trump warns Iran of severe consequences over possible execution of Erfan Soltani
Iranian authorities charged him with “Moharebeh”, meaning “waging war against Allah,” a capital offense. Since his arrest, Soltani has reportedly been denied access to legal counsel, the right to defense, and other fundamental judicial procedures.
The case of Erfan Soltani has drawn global attention, highlighting the harsh measures taken against protesters in Iran. Human rights organizations continue to demand that he be granted due process and that the government respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to protest peacefully.
