A young Iranian protester, Erfan Soltani, who is reportedly set to be executed on Wednesday, was allowed only ten minutes to say goodbye to his family. This brief farewell took place after his arrest during anti-government demonstrations on January 8, 2023. According to a report by IranWire, security officials informed Soltani’s family that this would be their final opportunity to see him before his execution.
Soltani, aged 26, is believed to be the first of the detained protesters facing the death penalty. He was allegedly denied legal representation and a fair trial, as highlighted by the Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO. A source close to the family disclosed that even a relative who is a lawyer was prevented from taking on the case. Security agents reportedly told him, “There is no file to review. We announced that anyone arrested in the protests would be executed.”
Compounding the situation, Soltani’s family has faced threats of arrest for attempting to speak publicly about his case or for reaching out to media outlets. The charges against him include “waging war against God,” a crime that carries the death penalty in Iran.
Protests and Crackdown
The details surrounding Soltani’s impending execution have yet to be independently confirmed, particularly given the ongoing communications blackout across Iran. Soltani, who worked in the clothing industry, participated in protests in Karaj, where thousands have rallied against the Iranian regime’s handling of the country’s failing economy.
Since the protests began in late December, over 10,000 demonstrators have been arrested in all of Iran’s 31 provinces, according to human rights organizations. A brutal crackdown by Tehran has resulted in a death toll estimated between 500 and 2,000 people, as reported by the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
International responses have included strong statements from political leaders. On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump called for continued protests, encouraging Iranian citizens to “take over your institutions.” He declared support for the demonstrators and vowed to stand against the Iranian regime, stating on Truth Social, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
The situation for protesters in Iran remains precarious, with many facing severe consequences for expressing dissent. As the world watches, the plight of individuals like Erfan Soltani underscores the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom in the country.
