Iran's judiciary has denied it scheduled the execution of a man arrested in connection with the country's recent protests. Norway-based Kurdish human rights organisation Hengaw said earlier this week that the family of Erfan Soltani, 26, had been told he faced execution on Wednesday, only days after he was detained. On Wednesday, Hengaw cited them as saying Soltani's execution had been postponed but warned that serious and ongoing concerns regarding his life remained. This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! said US President Donald Trump, who had warned Iran not to execute protesters.
The judiciary stated he faced charges of colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, which are not punishable by the death penalty, according to state broadcaster IRIB. They characterized reports from foreign media about Soltani's impending execution as a blatant act of news fabrication. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated there was no plan to carry out executions.
This statement emerged after President Trump threatened to take very strong action if executions were carried out amidst rising tension and speculation of possible US military strikes. The judiciary confirmed that Soltani, a shop owner arrested during protests in Fardis, was being held in a nearby prison. Activists report that he has been denied access to legal counsel, and there is confusion regarding the official charges against him. Chief justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei advocated for the rapid prosecution of demonstrators, emphasizing the need for quick justice.
The protests erupted following a wave of strikes by shopkeepers over rising costs and have transformed into a broader anti-government movement, focusing on economic despair and political repression. These protests, met with violent state response, have led to notable casualties as documented by human rights organizations.
The judiciary stated he faced charges of colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, which are not punishable by the death penalty, according to state broadcaster IRIB. They characterized reports from foreign media about Soltani's impending execution as a blatant act of news fabrication. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated there was no plan to carry out executions.
This statement emerged after President Trump threatened to take very strong action if executions were carried out amidst rising tension and speculation of possible US military strikes. The judiciary confirmed that Soltani, a shop owner arrested during protests in Fardis, was being held in a nearby prison. Activists report that he has been denied access to legal counsel, and there is confusion regarding the official charges against him. Chief justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei advocated for the rapid prosecution of demonstrators, emphasizing the need for quick justice.
The protests erupted following a wave of strikes by shopkeepers over rising costs and have transformed into a broader anti-government movement, focusing on economic despair and political repression. These protests, met with violent state response, have led to notable casualties as documented by human rights organizations.
