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New Delhi: Iran is set to hang 26-year-old Erfan Soltani in what would be the first hanging execution in connection with the ongoing nationwide protests in the country. Iran has been witnessing widespread protests against the country's Islamic regime, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the ailing economy and soaring cost of living.
Iran had carried out several executions in the past, but most of them were done through shootings. Soltani will reportedly be hanged to death in what would mark the first execution related to anti-regime protests.
Israel- and US-based news outlet Jfeed reported that Soltani's hanging might mark the beginning of a series of fast-track executions aimed at preventing such demonstration in the future.
Who is Erfan Soltani?
Soltani, a 26-year-old man, is a resident of Fardis, a suburb of Karaj near Tehran. He was arrested on January 8 for being the part of the widespread protests against the Khamenei regime. Soltani has reportedly been charged with "waging war against God", an offence punishable by death under Iranian law.
Soltani's execution, which is scheduled to be held today, has drawn global attention, with some alleging that Iran was using fear to suppress the anti-regime voices.
Soltani denied legal access
Soltani's family members were informed about his death sentence on January 11, according to reports from human rights groups and media outlets, including Jfeed. “His family was informed that he has been sentenced to death and that the execution is due to be carried out on January 14,” Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) quoted a source as saying.
Another rights group, the National Union for Democracy in Iran (NUFD), also sought international intervention to stop Soltani’s execution, alleging that he was denied access to legal counsel.
Soltani's family was reportedly allowed to meet him for just 10 minutes after the judgement was pronounced and he was also denied basic legal rights, including a chance to present a defence.
Iran has been on the edge since late December 2025 after the country's currency Rial plunged to record lows, with people protesting against the Islamic regime over economic distress and soaring cost of living. So far, more than 600 people have been killed in the protests and thousands of others arrested.
