Iran is currently going through a serious crisis. Violent protests are underway across the country against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, shocking news has emerged. Iranian authorities have prepared for the first execution related to these protests. 26-year-old Irfan Soltani has been sentenced to death.
Who is Irfan Soltani?
- Name: Irfan Soltani
- Age: 26 years
- Resident: Fardis, Karaj suburb (near Tehran)
- Arrest: January 8, 2026
Erfan was arrested for his involvement in anti-Khamenei protests. According to the human rights organization Hengaw and several media reports, he could be executed on Wednesday.
First hanging in the current movement
Iran has previously used the death penalty to suppress anti-government protests, but in the past, most people were executed by shooting. This case marks the first time someone will be executed in connection with the current protests. According to JFeed, an Israeli and US-based media platform, this could be the beginning of a series of executions and crackdowns designed to instill fear and suppress the protests.
Attempts to control the crowd through fear
Lebanese-Australian entrepreneur Mario Noufal said on the social media platform X (Twitter): “This execution could be the first of many. Iranian authorities want to stop the protests by intimidating people.” He also claimed that around 2,000 people have been killed in the anti-Khamenei protests so far.
Irfan did not even get legal rights
According to reports, Irfan was denied the opportunity to meet with a lawyer, defend himself, and present his case in court. His family was also denied crucial information, such as who made the arrest, what the charges were, and which court the case was in.
The family received the news of his death on January 11.
According to Hengaw, on January 11th, the family was informed that Irfan had been sentenced to death. After this, the family was allowed to meet him for only 10 minutes. According to sources close to the family, “officials said the decision was final and the execution would take place on the scheduled date.”
Sister’s efforts also failed
Irfan’s sister is a licensed lawyer. She tried to challenge the case legally, but she was denied access to the case file. She was not allowed to represent Irfan or challenge the sentence.