TEHRAN, IRAN – The Iranian government is reportedly set to carry out the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani today, January 14, 2026, marking the first formal execution of a protester since the latest wave of anti-regime demonstrations began in late December. Soltani, a clothing merchant from Pardis in central Iran, was arrested just last Thursday, January 8, on charges of “Moharebeh” or “war against God.” According to human rights organizations and family sources, he was granted a mere ten minutes to spend with his family as a final farewell before being moved to the gallows.
The case has drawn sharp international condemnation due to the alarming speed of the legal proceedings. Activists allege that Soltani was sentenced to death within just three days of his arrest without any access to legal representation. Even his own sister, who is a lawyer, was reportedly barred from entering the courtroom to defend him. Human rights groups like Hengaw and Iran Human Rights (IHR) have described the trial as a sham, highlighting that the young merchant’s “only crime was chanting for freedom” during the economic-driven protests that have now morphed into a nationwide challenge against the clerical establishment.
The situation in Iran remains critical, with reports suggesting that security forces have killed over 2,400 people and detained more than 10,700 since the unrest began on December 28. While previous fatalities occurred during street clashes, Soltani’s execution signals a new, more lethal phase of judicial crackdown intended to silence dissent. U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran, stating that the regime will face “severe consequences” if the execution proceeds. Despite the threat of military intervention and widespread international pleas, Iranian officials have indicated that they will continue to show “no leniency” to those they label as rioters.
