Iran Judiciary Denies Plan to Execute Detained Protester Erfan Soltani
The Iranian judiciary has dismissed claims regarding the scheduled execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested amid the recent protests. His case has drawn international attention as one of the critical instances of human rights concerns in Iran, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees.
– Background of Detainment
– Erfan Soltani is among approximately 18,000 protesters detained in the past three weeks across Iran.
– According to Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization, Soltani’s family was reportedly informed of a planned execution just days after his arrest.
– Judiciary Response
– The Iranian judiciary clarified that Soltani faces charges of colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, offenses not punishable by death.
– State broadcaster IRIB described foreign media reports about Soltani’s execution as a blatant act of news fabrication.
– International Reaction
– U.S. President Donald Trump expressed relief at the news, stating, This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! He issued a warning against Iranian authorities regarding potential executions.
– Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated in an interview that there is no plan for executions.
– Circumstances of Arrest
– Soltani was arrested at his home in the northern city of Fardis during ongoing protests.
– His family contends he was taken just before the protests escalated, while the judiciary claimed his arrest occurred during riots. Currently, he is held in a prison in Karaj.
– Concerns for Soltani’s Safety
– A relative, Somayeh, provided updates indicating that Soltani has had no access to a defense lawyer and the family faces significant pressure from authorities.
– Describing him as the heart of the family, she emphasized his aspirations for basic rights and a hopeful future for the youth of Iran.
– Government Tactics
– Somayeh alleged that the Iranian government aims to silence protesters through fear and intimidation, suggesting that Soltani’s potential execution would serve as a warning to others.
– She declared, “They didn’t have any reason to arrest Erfan. The only strategy of the government is to end the protests this way.
– International Sanctions
– Following these developments, the U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions on five Iranian officials identified as responsible for the brutal crackdown on demonstrators.
– The sanctions targeted notable figures, including Ali Larijani, linked to the coordination of the government’s response to the protests.
– Broader Context of Protests
– Over the past three years, Iran has executed at least 12 individuals linked to the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests—actions condemned by human rights organizations due to unfair trial practices.
– The recent protests erupted in response to escalating living costs and have since transformed into a broader challenge against Iran’s clerical leadership, with chants calling for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
– Escalating Violence and Casualties
– As the protests intensified last Thursday, authorities responded with lethal force amidst a near-total internet blackout.
– Reports indicate that at least 2,453 protesters have been killed, including children and civilians, while approximately 20,000 individuals have been arrested.
– Humanitarian Concerns
– Canada’s Foreign Minister reported the death of a Canadian citizen due to Iranian authorities’ actions, highlighting the regime’s disregard for human life amidst ongoing protests for basic rights.
– Furthermore, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported injuries to staff members, reinforcing the urgency of international intervention in ensuring the welfare of those affected by the unrest.
The situation surrounding Erfan Soltani exemplifies the broader struggle for human rights in Iran. Ongoing protests underscore the demand for accountability and reform against a backdrop of severe governmental repression.