The Iranian judiciary has denied it scheduled the execution of Erfan Soltani, a man arrested in connection with recent protests in Iran. Claims made by the Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw suggested that his family was informed he would be executed soon after his detention.
Hengaw stated that there were serious and ongoing concerns regarding Soltani’s life after they reported that his execution had been postponed. Meanwhile, U.S. officials, including President Trump, had warned Iran against executing detained protesters.
The Iranian judiciary reported that Soltani was charged with colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, which do not carry the death penalty. They labeled reports of his execution as fabrication, further asserting that there was no plan for executions from Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was arrested last Thursday in relation to protests in the city of Fardis, and his family expressed fears for his safety, citing an internet blackout that has limited their communication.
A cousin of Soltani characterizes him as a kind individual with dreams for himself and others. She emphasized the Iranian government's intent to intimidate citizens into suppressing protests by threatening executions.
This denial by the judiciary comes amid international condemnation of Iran’s crackdown on protests, which have claimed thousands of lives and led to widespread arrests. Canadian officials confirmed a citizen was recently killed in Iran amid these events.
