Iran's judiciary has issued a strong denial that it has scheduled the execution of Erfan Soltani, a man arrested in connection with widespread protests across the nation.
Earlier this week, the Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw reported that Soltani's family received alarming news, indicating he could face execution shortly after his detention.
In response to these claims, the judiciary clarified that the charges against Soltani, including 'colluding against national security' and 'propaganda activities against the establishment', do not carry the death penalty, labeling the media reports as 'news fabrication'. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, assuring that there are 'no plans' for executions.
US President Donald Trump remarked positively on the news, hoping it marks an end to the violence against protesters in Iran. However, tensions remain high as he suggested the alternative of strong retaliatory measures if executions were to proceed.
Hengaw reports that Soltani was denied access to legal representation, and his family remains uncertain about the formal charges he faces. The Iranian judiciary claims he was arrested during violent protests on a later date than initially suggested.
The protests themselves were ignited by economic grievances, such as rising living costs, and have increasingly targeted the Iranian clerical leadership, with demonstrators chanting against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In light of this unrest, at least 2,435 protesters have been reportedly killed, with thousands more detained, leading to heightened international calls for accountability and reform within Iran’s governance.
