The Iranian judiciary has officially denied that a young man arrested during recent protests has been sentenced to death, according to state media reports on Thursday.
Charges and Current Status
Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian man, was arrested on January 10, 2026, amid widespread demonstrations. He is currently being held in the central penitentiary in Karaj. Judicial authorities confirmed he is facing charges of "colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime."
However, in a significant clarification, the judiciary stated that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are ultimately confirmed by a court. This statement directly addresses rumours and international concerns regarding potential capital punishment for protesters.
International Reaction and Protest Context
The news comes a day after US President Donald Trump commented on the situation in Iran. On Wednesday, he said he had been informed that the killing of protesters had halted, but cautioned that he would 'watch it and see' regarding threatened military action.
The protests in early January saw significant unrest, with images showing demonstrators setting fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre on January 10. The arrest of Soltani occurred during this period of heightened tension.
Ongoing Developments
This remains a breaking story, with further details expected to emerge. The judiciary's public statement appears to be an effort to manage both domestic and international perceptions of its handling of the protest-related arrests. The case of Erfan Soltani continues to be a focal point for observers of human rights and civil liberties in Iran.
