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 organization Hengaw stated earlier this week that the family of Erfan Soltani, 26, had been told he faced execution on Wednesday, only days after his arrest.
Hengaw noted that while Soltani's execution had been postponed, they still expressed significant concerns for his life.
This sentiment was echoed by statements from US President Donald Trump, who warned Iran not to execute protesters, labeling the news of Soltani's potential execution as positive.
The Iranian judiciary clarified that Soltani was charged with colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, neither of which merit the death penalty according to state broadcaster IRIB.
They deemed reports from foreign media about his possible execution as a blatant act of news fabrication, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserting that there was no plan to proceed with executions.
Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was reportedly detained during protests in the northern city of Fardis. Despite official accounts, his family insists he was arrested at his home.
The protests ignited following an economic collapse, rising prices, and widespread discontent with the clerical establishment, with demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans. These protests have resulted in a critical response from security forces, leading to several deaths and widespread detentions.
International entities have raised serious concerns about human rights violations in Iran, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the threats of execution amid ongoing crackdown on protestors.
