Erfan Sultani, aged 26, is on the brink of facing a hanging sentence following his arrest amidst a series of protests against the government, swiftly leading to a death penalty verdict by an Iranian court.
Erfan, residing in Fardis close to Tehran, was apprehended on January 8 during the ongoing demonstrations that have been shaking Iran since late December 2025. He was accused of moharebeh, defined as “waging war against God,” a serious offense under Iranian legislation commonly enforced against perceived state threats.
His family endured days of uncertainty to learn his fate, only to discover that he had been condemned to death with just a brief 10-minute farewell permitted. Concerns have been raised by human rights groups over the speed of the legal process, as the practice has faced widespread condemnation from human rights bodies for its lack of due process.
Information suggests that Erfan may have been deprived of legal representation, with his appointed lawyer allegedly blocked from accessing his case details. The scheduled date for his execution is today, January 14, causing immeasurable psychological distress as the deadline looms closer for both Erfan and his loved ones.
According to criminal psychologist Alex Iszatt, the prosecutors strategically structure the system to inflict maximum harm and fear upon the arrested individuals and their families.
The impending execution of Erfan has sparked significant outrage both within Iran and internationally. Rights organizations view his sentence as a clear demonstration of the state’s use of the justice system as a tool to suppress dissent amid escalating crackdowns.
US President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran that severe action will be taken if protestors are executed. The unrest, originating from economic grievances and evolving into anti-government protests, has led to a government crackdown resulting in numerous protester fatalities.
While the protests appear to be subsiding, reports indicate an internet shutdown, and several European nations have summoned Iranian ambassadors to address the violence. The UK, among others, has raised concerns over the brutal treatment of Iranian demonstrators.