‘Only 10 minutes to say goodbye to family’: Iran to execute 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani

Iran protests: 26-year-old protester given 10 minutes to say goodbye before execution, rights groups say

• Iranian protester Erfan Soltani given 10 minutes to say goodbye before execution
• Soltani denied legal representation and family warned not to speak publicly
• Rights groups fear Iran may accelerate executions to deter further protests

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A 26-year-old Iranian protester facing execution was reportedly given just 10 minutes to say goodbye to his family before being led to the gallows, according to rights groups and media reports.

Erfan Soltani was arrested during anti-government protests in Karaj on January 8 amid nationwide demonstrations against Iran’s clerical leadership. Days after his detention, his family was summoned by security officials and informed that Soltani had been sentenced to death, without being told of any formal charges, court proceedings, or trial. Rights groups say he was denied access to legal representation.

According to IranWire, authorities told the family their brief meeting would be a final farewell. Soltani is believed to be the first detained protester scheduled for execution amid the ongoing crackdown on dissent. He has been charged with Moharebeh, “enmity against God,” a capital offence under Iranian law frequently used against protesters.

A source close to the family told IranWire, “Even a close relative who is a lawyer tried to take on the case but was blocked and threatened by security agents,” adding, “They told him, ‘There is no file to review. We announced that anyone arrested in the protests would be executed.’”

The family has allegedly been warned not to speak publicly, with threats that additional relatives could be arrested. Amnesty International has flagged Soltani’s case, warning that Iranian authorities may “once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.”

The protests, now entering their third week, were initially triggered by soaring inflation and currency collapse but have expanded into nationwide unrest across more than 280 locations. Human rights groups estimate that at least 2,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands detained during the crackdown, much of it carried out under an ongoing internet blackout that has limited independent verification.

Soltani, who worked in the clothing industry, was described by friends as a fitness enthusiast who led a quiet life. Rights groups say his case underscores growing fears that Iran may accelerate executions to intimidate protesters and suppress further resistance.