For days, the family of 26-year-old Iranian Erfan Soltani, detained during anti-Khamenei protests, did not know where he was. Days later, a word came from the security apparatus of the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It was not about charges, nor was it about a court date, but to inform them that Soltani had been sentenced to death. The family was told they could see him once. For 10 minutes. To say goodbye.
Erfan Soltani, the 26-year-old Iranian detained during anti-Khamanei protests on January 8, is scheduled to be executed early on Wednesday (January 14), according to news reports. Soltani, who had defied warnings from the Khamenei regime not to join the protests, would be the first hanging execution linked to the nationwide anti-Khamenei unrest after being charged with “Moharebeh”, meaning “enmity against God”.
Soltani’s family, now understandably frightened and terrorised, have been warned not to speak to anyone, with authorities threatening that more family members would be arrested if they did so.
Soltani’s execution, carried out within a week of his arrest, has triggered international alarm, with legal experts warning that Iran might be resorting to what amount to “field executions”. They say such summary killings without due process are being used to crush dissent, with Soltani’s case held up as a chilling example amid escalating protests against Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The protests, in their 20th day on Wednesday, were initially triggered by record inflation and the sharp devaluation of Iran’s currency, but have since snowballed into nationwide unrest across more than 280 locations. At least 2,000 people have reportedly been killed in the Khamenei regime’s brutal crackdown, with around 20,000 arrested. Internet services have been shut for over five days, with reports of mass killings emerging from inside Iran. Activists say Iranians had been using Starlink to get information out, but the regime first jammed the signals using military-grade equipment and has now deployed militias to raid rooftops, confiscate terminals and punish those using them.
Amnesty International has highlighted Erfan Soltani’s case, to warn that the Khamenei regime of Iran might “once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent”.
THERE IS NO SCOPE OF REVIEW IN ERFAN SOLTANI’S CASE
A source close to the family, speaking to the IranWire on condition of anonymity, described the pressure being exerted on them by the Iranian government.
“The family is under extreme pressure. Even a close relative who is a lawyer tried to take on the case but was blocked and threatened by security agents. They told him, ‘There is no file to review. We announced that anyone arrested in the protests would be executed. Erfan’s sentence is Moharebeh (Enmity against God); it is final and will be carried out’,” the family source told the IranWire.
Under Iranian law, Moharebeh is one of the gravest charges. It is often used against protesters and dissidents, and carries the death penalty. Human rights groups have long accused Iranian authorities of using the charge as a political weapon.
Soltani’s family said they believed he was being held by the Intelligence Organisation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC is Iran’s most feared security force, directly loyal to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It is tasked with enforcing ideological conformity, crushing dissent, controlling key sectors of the economy, and projecting the regime’s power at home and abroad.
Lebanese-Australian entrepreneur and influencer Mario Nawfal posted about Soltani on X from his verified account, saying the execution could be the first of many, alleging that authorities were using fear to control crowds.
WHO IS ERFAN SOLTANI?
Erfan was working in the clothing industry and had recently joined a private firm, reported the IranWire. Friends and family describe him as deeply interested in fashion and personal style.
His Instagram account, which has not been deleted by the regime, shows a young man who enjoyed bodybuilding, sports and living a quiet, ordinary life.
The source told IranWire that Soltani had received threatening messages from security agencies even before his arrest.
“He told his family he was being watched, but he refused to back down,” the source said. “He remained committed to the protests.”
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