Iran Judiciary Disputes Execution Rumors of Detained Protester Erfan Soltani

Thu Jan 15 2026 19:08:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Iranian judiciary has denied rumors that Erfan Soltani, a protester arrested during recent unrest, is facing execution, despite human rights organizations expressing grave concerns.

The Iranian judiciary has dismissed claims that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old detained amid widespread protests, is scheduled for execution. The allegations were initially posited by the Norwegian human rights group Hengaw, which reported that Soltani's family was informed of an impending execution. While the judiciary confirmed he is facing charges, these do not include capital offenses. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, emphasized there are no execution plans, coinciding with international pressure from figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the treatment of protesters. The protests, a response to economic hardship and political repression, have led to significant casualties and mass detainment, raising questions about human rights in Iran.

Iran Judiciary Disputes Execution Rumors of Detained Protester Erfan Soltani

The Iranian judiciary has denied reports claiming that Erfan Soltani, a man arrested in connection with the nation’s ongoing protests, is scheduled for execution. These claims emerged from the Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw, which stated that Soltani's family was informed of an execution date shortly after his arrest.

According to Hengaw, while Soltani's execution has allegedly been postponed, significant concerns regarding his safety remain. The judiciary has stated that he faces charges of 'colluding against national security' and 'propaganda activities against the establishment', neither of which warrants the death penalty. Their statement characterizes media reports regarding his execution as a 'blatant act of news fabrication'.

In response to the situation, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed cautious optimism, stating, 'This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue!' He had previously warned Iran not to execute protesters amidst growing tension regarding U.S.-Iran relations and the possibility of military actions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also reiterated that there are no plans for executions, aiming to quell international concerns. The judiciary’s statements came in the wake of intense scrutiny after protesters were met with lethal force during the recent demonstrations.

Soltani, a clothes shop owner arrested in the northern city of Fardis, was taken into custody last Thursday amidst widespread protests, sparked by economic discontent and governmental repression. Those protests turned deadly, with reports indicating that at least 2,435 individuals have been killed, according to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), and another 18,470 have been arrested. The Iranian leadership has called for swift trials for those involved in violent acts during these protests.

As the situation unfolds, the advocacy for human rights and the treatment of detainees in Iran continues to be a focal point for international observers and human rights organizations.