A human rights group has warned that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during recent protests in Fardis, Karaj, faces an imminent execution after what it described as a rapid and opaque judicial process. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said Soltani’s family was told the execution is scheduled to be carried out on Wednesday, only days after his arrest.
Hengaw said Soltani’s family has been denied information about his charges, case file, and the judicial proceedings leading to the death sentence. The group also said the family learned of the planned execution just days after he was detained.
Family says details withheld
Hengaw reported that a source close to Soltani’s family said authorities told them the death sentence is final and will be carried out on Wednesday. Hengaw also reported that the family has reportedly been granted only a brief final visit before the execution.
According to Hengaw, the same source said Soltani’s sister—described as a licensed lawyer—has tried to follow the case through legal channels. However, Hengaw said authorities have so far prevented her from accessing the case file.
Arrest timeline described
Hengaw said Soltani was arrested at his private residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in connection with protests in Fardis, Karaj. The group said the arresting authority has not been officially identified.
Hengaw reported that only four days after the arrest, the family was notified that his execution had been scheduled. The organization said the speed of the process and lack of transparency have raised serious concerns about how the case was handled.
Due process concerns raised
Hengaw said Soltani has been deprived of basic rights since his arrest, including access to legal counsel and the right to defense. The group also said his family has been deliberately kept uninformed about the judicial process.
In its statement, Hengaw argued that carrying out a death sentence under conditions where the accused is denied access to a lawyer, an effective defense, and an independent and impartial trial would amount to an extrajudicial execution. Hengaw also pointed to international human rights law, referencing the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and noting Article 6 on the right to life.
Calls for urgent action
Hengaw said it is gravely concerned about what it described as a growing use of summary trials and executions against people detained during recent protests. The organization called on international human rights bodies and other relevant actors to take immediate action to halt the execution.
Hengaw also urged demands for an independent and impartial review of the judicial process in Soltani’s case. The group said the accelerated nature of the proceedings has heightened concerns about the death penalty being used to suppress public protests.
