The Iranian regime is set to execute 26-year-old Erfan Soltani on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, following his arrest just six days prior during nationwide anti-government protests.
Soltani, a resident of Fardis near Tehran, was detained on January 8 and reportedly sentenced to death within forty-eight hours on charges of “Moharebeh” or enmity against God.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights, have raised alarms over the lack of due process, as the family claims Soltani was denied legal counsel and a fair trial.
While the Iranian judiciary maintains that “rioters” will face decisive confrontation, global leaders and activists are calling for an immediate stay on the execution to prevent further extrajudicial killings.
Opaque Judicial Process
The case of Erfan Soltani has shocked the international community due to the unprecedented speed of the judicial proceedings. According to relatives who spoke to BBC Persian and other human rights groups, the court issued a death sentence just two days after his arrest.
For the first three days of his detention, his family remained unaware of his whereabouts. It was only on Sunday, January 11, that security agents confirmed his custody and informed the family of the finality of the death sentence.
This rushed timeline suggests a significant departure from standard legal protocols, highlighting the regime’s intent to use swift executions as a deterrent against the ongoing unrest.
Human Rights Alarms
Erfan Soltani, a clothing industry worker known for his passion for fitness, has become a symbol of the broader crackdown that has seen the death toll rise to over 2,500 people. Reports indicate that his sister, a licensed lawyer, was blocked from accessing his case file or representing him in court.
Human rights advocates warn that these “field trials” are part of a strategy to crush dissent through fear. Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad stated that prosecutors must act “without leniency, compassion, or indulgence” against those creating insecurity.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and other Western leaders have threatened strong action if the regime proceeds with executing peaceful protesters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the right to life and a fair trial are non-negotiable pillars of a just society. The reported execution of Erfan Soltani, carried out with such haste and secrecy, is a grave violation of human dignity and international legal standards.
Peace and harmony cannot be established through the gallows; they require open dialogue and a genuine effort to address the grievances of the people.
When a state resorts to violence to silence its citizens, it only deepens the cycle of trauma and resentment. We stand for the protection of activists and civilians, urging the global community to prioritize human rights over political interests to foster a world of coexistence and empathy.
