In brief
Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian man arrested during anti-government protests on January 8, has been released on bail after reports suggested he was facing execution. His lawyer confirmed the bail was set at approximately $12,600. While Iranian officials have denied any death sentence, the case has drawn international attention regarding Iran's handling of dissent.
A 26-year-old Iranian man who was reportedly sentenced to death in connection with anti-government protests last month has been released on bail, reports say.
Erfan Soltani was arrested on January 8 in the city of Fardis, just west of Tehran, as protests swept across the country, prompting a deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities.
Officials then informed his family that he had been scheduled to be executed within days, without giving any additional details, according to Norway-based Kurdish human rights group Hengaw.
However, Iran's judiciary denied that he was sentenced to death, stating he faced security-related charges carrying prison terms only.
Soltani's lawyer, Amir Mousakhani, told AFP that he was released on bail and received all of his belongings including his cellphone. A bail of two billion tomans (around $12,600; £9,200) was paid for his release.
Hengaw and Iranian media, including Isna, confirmed reports of Soltani's bail. His arrest made headlines globally following allegations of an imminent execution.
At the time, a relative told BBC Persian that a court had issued the death sentence rapidly within just two days, leading to international condemnation.
US officials, including former President Donald Trump, had previously voiced strong opposition to the execution of protesters, expressing concern over Iran's actions during the unrest.
In January, Iranian authorities dismissed reports regarding Soltani's execution as blatant acts of news fabrication, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi insisting there were no plans for executions.
Following initial reports of Soltani's situation, it was indicated that his execution had been postponed. Human rights groups are actively documenting the violence against protestors in Iran, estimating that over 6,300 people have been killed since protests escalated in late December.
