Iran plans to execute a 26-year-old protester on Wednesday, heightening global concern over the regime’s growing use of capital punishment to crush dissent.
Authorities plan to hang Erfan Soltani, who security forces arrested on January 8 during nationwide demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iranian prosecutors charged Soltani with Moharebeh, or enmity against God, a charge frequently used to justify death sentences against political opponents.
If carried out, his execution will become the first hanging directly linked to the current wave of anti-Khamenei protests.
Following his arrest, security agencies held Soltani incommunicado for several days. His family received no information about his location or legal status.
When officials finally contacted them, they did not disclose any court proceedings or evidence.
Instead, authorities informed the family that a court had already sentenced Soltani to death.
Officials permitted a single meeting between Soltani and his relatives, limiting it to just 10 minutes for final goodbyes.
Family members reportedly appeared terrified and emotionally shattered.
Security officials allegedly warned them against speaking publicly, threatening to detain other relatives if they contacted media outlets or human rights groups.
Legal experts and international rights organisations have sharply criticised the execution order, which authorities issued within a week of Soltani’s arrest.
They argue that Iran increasingly carries out summary executions without due process. They describe these killings as ‘field executions’ aimed at intimidating protesters and suppressing resistance.
The unrest, now entering its 20th day, began over soaring inflation and the rapid collapse of Iran’s currency. It has since expanded into mass demonstrations challenging the authority of the Supreme Leader. Activists report protests in more than 280 locations nationwide.
According to rights groups, security forces have killed at least 2,000 people and arrested nearly 20,000.
Authorities have shut down internet services for over five days. Activists claim the regime jammed Starlink signals, raided rooftops, seized satellite equipment, and punished users to block outside communication.
Also Read: Trump Cancels Talks With Iran Over Crackdown On Protesters
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