Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian protester who had been sentenced to death, will not be executed after all. His family and human rights organizations have corroborated the delay. Soltani was arrested in his home in Fardis, near Tehran, on 10 January. He faced serious charges, including “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal security” and “propaganda activities” against the Islamic Republic regime. Yesterday, his family only found out that he will be executed on January 14. Even now, it doesn’t appear that the death sentence will be implemented.
The precarious state of affairs for Soltani has galvanized international concern. U.S. President Donald Trump has personally threatened Iran against executing protesters. As protests continue across Iran, fueled by demands for basic rights, the case of Soltani has emerged as a focal point in the broader discourse surrounding human rights abuses in the country.
Background and Arrest
Erfan Soltani’s arrest on January 10 occurred in the context of a wave of protests that spread across Iran in recent months. The protests have re-ignited anger rooted in the demand for political reform and the end to systemic oppression. In a bid to stifle dissent, authorities have imprisoned at least 10,600 people since the onset of protests.
Soltani’s family contends his trial concluded in record time. As many outside observers are describing it, that’d be a “sham trial.” They were prohibited from even obtaining legal counsel and having any chance at a fair appeal of the death sentence. His case’s opacity combined with other recent cases have only served to stoke skepticism over the Iranian judicial system’s integrity.
As things stand today, he is detained in the Central Prison of Karaj, some 43 kilometers (approximately 26 miles) northwest of Tehran. His family has received almost no information about his condition, including the specific charges he faces. They were allowed a very short time to visit him before his planned execution.
International Reactions
President Trump’s involvement in Soltani’s case underscores the increasing global scrutiny of Iran’s human rights record. During a recent press conference, Trump stated:
“There’s no plan for executions or an execution.” – Donald Trump
IRIB—the Islamic Republic’s state broadcaster—reported that Iran’s judiciary denied that Soltani has been sentenced to death. His family and human rights organizations such as Hengaw urge that his execution was fully imminent until it was unexpectedly put in abeyance just recently.
“We don’t want to see what’s happening in Iran happen. And you know, if they want to have protests, that’s one thing. When they start killing thousands of people… we’ll see how that works out for them.” – Donald Trump
Soltani’s execution delay has led to renewed efforts by human rights activists. They have called for international intervention and support for the Iranian people. Somayeh, a spokesperson for a human rights organization, emphasized the urgency of President Trump’s statements:
Human Rights Advocacy
The U.S. State Department has commented on the situation, highlighting the lack of due process in Soltani’s trial:
“Our demand now is that Trump truly stand behind the words he said because the Iranian people came to the streets based on those statements.” – Somayeh
In an apparent effort to calm fears about impending executions, Iranian officials have denied any plans for executions. Abbas Araghchi, a senior Iranian diplomat, asserted:
“An unarmed population trusted these words and is now under gunfire. I beg you, please do not let Erfan be executed. Please.” – Somayeh
As a result of these changes, both local and international floats are watching the implementation closely. They continue to be alarmed at the fate of Erfan Soltani and all others detained under such circumstances.
“This time, the Islamic Republic regime didn’t even bother with its usual 10-minute sham trial.” – U.S. State Department
Iranian officials have attempted to quell fears regarding potential executions. Abbas Araghchi, a senior Iranian diplomat, asserted:
“I can tell you I’m confident about that, there is no plan for hanging at all.” – Abbas Araghchi
In light of these developments, both domestic and international observers remain vigilant regarding the fate of Erfan Soltani and other detainees facing similar circumstances.
