Iran is set to publicly execute a 26-year-old protester on Wednesday, marking the first death sentence carried out in connection with the ongoing anti-government protests that have gripped the country for nearly three weeks. The case has triggered global outrage, with rights groups warning of summary executions aimed at crushing dissent.
The victim, identified as Erfan Soltani, was detained on January 8 during demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For several days after his arrest, his family had no information about his whereabouts. They were later informed by security officials that Soltani had already been sentenced to death and would be allowed a single meeting,limited to just 10 minutes, to say goodbye.
Authorities have reportedly charged Soltani with &ldquo;Moharebeh,&rdquo; or enmity against God, a charge frequently used in Iran against protesters and political dissidents and punishable by death. According to reports, the sentence was delivered without a public trial, formal charges, or access to legal representation.
The Integrated crackdown has raised alarms among international legal experts, who argue that the rapid timeline from arrest to execution violates Iran&rsquo;s own criminal procedures. Rights advocates say the case reflects what they describe as &ldquo;field executions,&rdquo; designed to instil fear and deter further protests.
The unrest in Iran began over soaring inflation and the collapse of the national currency but has since evolved into widespread demonstrations across more than 280 locations. Activists report thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests amid an intense security crackdown, accompanied by prolonged internet shutdowns and restrictions on communication.
Amnesty International has cited Soltani&rsquo;s case as evidence that Iranian authorities may once again be resorting to swift trials and arbitrary executions to silence opposition. Experts warn that many similar cases could be unfolding out of public view due to censorship and fear-driven silence inside the country.
Human rights organisations note that Iran remains among the world&rsquo;s leading executioners, with hundreds of death sentences carried out annually, often linked to political repression. The execution of Erfan Soltani is being viewed as a stark signal of the regime&rsquo;s escalating response to nationwide dissent.

Family given 10 minutes for farewell as Iran intensifies protest crackdown

Iran to execute 26-year-old protester today

Family given 10 minutes for farewell as Iran intensifies protest crackdown

January 14, 2026 | 16:43 IST