Erfan Soltani Arrested During Anti-Khamenei Protests; Denied Legal Counsel, Faces Death Sentence

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian from Fardis in the Karaj suburb near Tehran, has become the focus of international concern as human rights groups warn he faces imminent execution by hanging. Arrested on January 8, 2026, during ongoing nationwide anti-government protests, Soltani was reportedly sentenced to death on charges of "waging war against God" (moharebeh), a capital offense under Iranian law. His family was informed that the sentence is final and scheduled for January 14, 2026, marking what could be the first execution directly linked to the current wave of demonstrations.

According to reports from organizations such as Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD), Soltani was denied access to legal counsel, received no proper trial, and was unable to defend himself. His sister, a licensed lawyer, was reportedly blocked from accessing his case file or representing him. The NUFD has described his "only crime" as calling for freedom and urging global intervention to halt the execution. Sources close to the family indicated that they were granted only a brief visit after the sentencing notification.

Soltani's case emerges amid escalating unrest that began in late December 2025, initially sparked by severe economic hardships, including hyperinflation, a collapsing rial currency, and skyrocketing prices for essentials. What started as economic grievances quickly evolved into widespread calls for political change, an end to clerical rule under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and greater freedoms. Protests have spread to over 180 cities across all 31 provinces, with chants targeting the regime directly.

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The Iranian government's response has been marked by a brutal crackdown, including live ammunition against demonstrators, mass arrests exceeding 10,000, and a reported death toll surpassing 500 to 648 protesters (including children), according to human rights monitors. Authorities have imposed a nationwide communications blackout, limiting independent verification and information flow. Officials have labelled protesters as "rioters," while rights groups warn that fast-tracked executions like Soltani's are intended to intimidate and suppress further dissent.

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