The judiciary in Iran has officially refuted claims regarding the scheduled execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man arrested during the recent protests in the country. This assertion comes in response to reports from the Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw, which indicated that Soltani’s family had been informed of an imminent execution date.
Earlier this week, Hengaw reported that Soltani’s execution was purportedly postponed but cautioned that there remained “serious and ongoing concerns” for his safety. The judiciary clarified that the charges against Soltani include “colluding against national security” and “propaganda activities against the establishment,” which do not carry the death penalty, as reported by the state broadcaster IRIB.
Responses from Iranian officials
In light of these allegations, the Iranian judiciary characterized reports from foreign media as a “blatant act of news fabrication.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, asserting that there was “no plan” to execute individuals in connection with the protests. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond with “very strong action” should Iran proceed with the execution of protesters.
“Very important sources on the other side” have informed him “the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions”
Context of the protests
Hengaw has also informed the BBC that Soltani has been denied legal representation, and his family is unaware of any formal charges filed against him. Arrested at his home on Thursday in Fardis, a city located west of Tehran, Soltani’s detainment is reportedly linked to the ongoing protests. The Iranian judiciary contends he was apprehended during “riots” that erupted on Saturday, and he is currently being held in a prison in Karaj.
Iran’s chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, has advocated for the prompt trial and punishment of those detained in connection with the protests. He stated, “Those elements who beheaded people in the streets or burned people alive must be tried and punished as quickly as possible. If we don’t do it fast, it won’t have the same impact.” The protests, which originated from shopkeepers striking against escalating living costs and currency depreciation, have rapidly escalated into widespread dissent against the clerical regime, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and calling for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The situation intensified last Thursday, with authorities responding with lethal force amidst a near-total internet and communication blackout. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the unrest has resulted in the deaths of at least 2,435 protesters, including 13 children and 153 individuals linked to the security forces or government. HRANA further reports that approximately 18,470 protesters have been arrested since the onset of these demonstrations.