New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) A 26-year-old Iranian protester, detained during widespread anti-Khamenei demonstrations, is slated for execution this Wednesday. This case has ignited international concern and heightened alarm regarding Iran’s use of capital punishment as a means to quash dissent.

Erfan Soltani was apprehended on January 8 for his participation in protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is facing execution after being charged with “Moharebeh”, or enmity against God, as reported by various media outlets.

If executed, Soltani’s hanging would be the first directly tied to the ongoing wave of anti-Khamenei protests.

Following his arrest, Soltani’s family was left in the dark regarding his status. When they were finally contacted by Iranian security forces, they were not informed of any formal charges or court hearings.

Instead, they learned that Soltani had already been handed a death sentence. Authorities permitted the family just a brief 10-minute meeting with him to bid farewell.

Family members, described as scared and traumatized, have reportedly been cautioned against speaking publicly about the situation. Iranian authorities allegedly threatened that further family members would be detained if information was shared with the media or activists.

The execution order for Soltani, issued within a week of his arrest, has drawn intense criticism from international legal scholars and human rights organizations.

They caution that Iran may be resorting to what they term “field executions”, which are summary killings conducted without due process, as a strategy to intimidate protesters and suppress opposition. Soltani’s case exemplifies the regime’s increasingly severe response to dissent.

The protests, now in their 20th day, initially began due to soaring inflation and the rapid devaluation of Iran’s currency but have grown into widespread demonstrations challenging the Supreme Leader’s authority. Unrest has been reported in over 280 locations across the nation.

According to activist organizations, the regime's crackdown has been brutal. At least 2,000 individuals have reportedly lost their lives, while approximately 20,000 have been arrested. Internet services have been suspended for over five days, severely limiting communication with the outside world.

Activists report that some Iranians have attempted to use Starlink satellite internet to navigate around restrictions, but authorities have allegedly jammed signals with military-grade devices and deployed militias to raid rooftops, seize terminals, and punish users.