Nationwide anti-government protests in Iran have entered their third week, intensifying pressure on the clerical establishment amid reports of an imminent execution believed to be the first directly linked to the ongoing unrest. The case has triggered widespread international concern, with human rights groups and world leaders warning of severe consequences.
Who Is at the Centre of the Crisis
At the heart of the controversy is 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, a resident of Fardis near Karaj, west of Tehran. Soltani was arrested on January 8 during protests in Karaj that initially erupted over soaring inflation, currency devaluation, and deepening economic despair.
What began as demonstrations over economic hardship soon evolved into open defiance of the political system, with protesters calling for an end to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Death Sentence Under ‘Waging War Against God’
According to human rights organisations including Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Hengaw, Soltani has been charged with “waging war against God” (Moharebeh)—a capital offence under Iran’s Islamic law.
Rights groups allege that Soltani was sentenced to death through an extremely fast-tracked process, without a formal trial or access to legal representation. His family reportedly learned of the verdict on January 11 and was allowed only a 10-minute final meeting.
The execution is scheduled for January 14, coinciding with a nationwide internet blackout, making independent verification difficult.
Human Rights Groups Warn of Escalation
International rights organisations have strongly condemned the case, warning that Soltani’s execution could mark the beginning of a wave of rapid hangings aimed at spreading fear and crushing dissent.
Activists estimate that since the protests began, more than 2,500 people have been killed and thousands arrested as security forces intensify their crackdown across the country.
International Reaction and US Warning
The developments have drawn sharp reactions from abroad. US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran, threatening action if Iran proceeds with executions linked to the protests.
Trump also publicly encouraged Iranians to continue demonstrating, stating that assistance is being provided—though without detailing its nature—while hinting at possible economic and diplomatic measures against the Iranian regime.
A Defining Moment for Iran’s Clerical Rule
As Iran faces one of its most serious internal challenges in decades, the fate of Erfan Soltani has become a powerful symbol of the confrontation between the state and its citizens. Analysts warn that carrying out the execution could further inflame tensions and trigger even larger waves of unrest, deepening instability across the country.
With the world watching closely, Iran now stands at a critical crossroads—between escalation through repression and a potential reckoning driven by sustained public resistance.