Iran is poised to carry out its first execution of a demonstrator linked to the nationwide protests that have rocked the country over the past two weeks, according to human rights groups.
The Impending Execution of Erfan Soltani
Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old shop owner from Fardis near Tehran, is scheduled to be hanged on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO, reports that Mr Soltani was arrested at his home just six days ago and has been rushed through a judicial process with little transparency. His family was notified of the death sentence only four days after his detention.
Mr Soltani's sister, a lawyer, has reportedly been blocked by Iranian authorities from accessing his case file, preventing any meaningful legal defence. He is one of an estimated 18,434 individuals arrested since the protests began. If the execution proceeds, he will become the first person known to be put to death specifically for participating in the current wave of dissent.
A Brutal Crackdown and Mounting Death Toll
The move to execute Mr Soltani signals a severe escalation in the regime's response to the unrest. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), the repression has already been devastatingly lethal.
HRANA has verified the deaths of 2,571 people during the protests. This figure includes:
- 2,403 protesters.
- 147 government-affiliated individuals.
- 12 children and 9 non-protesting civilians.
Experts suggest this may be the deadliest suppression of a popular uprising in Iran's recent history. The NGO also estimates 1,134 severe injuries and 97 forced confessions broadcast by the state.
Executions as a Political Tool
The use of the death penalty in Iran is not uncommon, but its application against protesters marks a dangerous new phase. Data from Iran Human Rights (IHR) indicates that executions in the country doubled in the past year, with nearly 1,000 verified in 2025. While historically, 99% of executions are for murder or drug offences, activists warn the rate increases when the regime feels threatened.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of IHR, stated the widespread killing of protesters is "reminiscent of the regime’s crimes in the 1980s, which have been recognised as crimes against humanity." The planned execution of Erfan Soltani, conducted after what appears to be a summary process without a fair trial, underscores the government's intent to instil fear and quash dissent through the ultimate punishment.
Mr Soltani's family, described as "shocked" and "despairing," have been granted only a final ten-minute visit before the scheduled hanging. The international community watches with grave concern as Iran enters a critical and violent juncture in its handling of domestic opposition.
