Iran Protests: first demonstrator Erfan Soltani spared the death penalty
Iranian state media reported on Thursday that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester arrested during recent anti-government demonstrations, will not face the death penalty, easing fears raised by his detention amid a broader crackdown on dissent.
Soltani was arrested on January 10 at his home in Fardis, west of Tehran, after taking part in protests that erupted across the country. His case quickly drew attention as he became one of the first identified protesters detained following the latest wave of unrest.
According to the Iranian judiciary, Soltani is currently held at the central prison of Karaj and faces charges including “conspiracy against the country’s internal security” and “propaganda activities against the regime.” Authorities clarified that these accusations, if upheld by a court, do not carry the death penalty under Iranian law.
The announcement comes as Iran continues to experience widespread demonstrations, with human rights groups warning about arbitrary arrests, harsh sentencing and limited transparency in judicial proceedings. While the clarification regarding Soltani’s case has temporarily reduced concerns over capital punishment, activists say it does little to alleviate broader fears surrounding the treatment of protesters.
International observers continue to monitor developments closely, calling on Iranian authorities to respect due process and the right to peaceful assembly.
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