Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian man who was reportedly sentenced to death in connection with anti-government protests last month, has been released on bail. Arrested in the city of Fardis west of Tehran on January 8, Soltani’s detainment occurred against the backdrop of nationwide protests, fueling a deadly crackdown by Iranian authorities. Officials had notified his family of an imminent execution, but Iranian judiciary sources denied any death sentence, asserting he faced only security-related charges.
Soltani's lawyer confirmed his release on bail, stating he was freed after a bond of approximately 12,600 USD (2 billion tomans) was paid, regaining access to all his belongings including his cellphone. Reports suggest that both Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish human rights group, and Iranian media confirmed his release.
The arrest garnered international attention, particularly due to claims of an expedited sentencing process, lasting only two days. In response to the escalating violence against protesters, international figures, including then-U.S. President Donald Trump, warned against potential executions in Iran, contributing to global scrutiny over the country's judicial processes.
As tensions mount in Iran, human rights agencies have reported thousands of casualties since unrest began in late December, with organizations estimating the total could surpass 25,000 deaths due to state violence. Khamenei’s government continues to assert a narrative blaming protesters for recent attacks on public institutions, intensifying the existing crisis.
Soltani's lawyer confirmed his release on bail, stating he was freed after a bond of approximately 12,600 USD (2 billion tomans) was paid, regaining access to all his belongings including his cellphone. Reports suggest that both Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish human rights group, and Iranian media confirmed his release.
The arrest garnered international attention, particularly due to claims of an expedited sentencing process, lasting only two days. In response to the escalating violence against protesters, international figures, including then-U.S. President Donald Trump, warned against potential executions in Iran, contributing to global scrutiny over the country's judicial processes.
As tensions mount in Iran, human rights agencies have reported thousands of casualties since unrest began in late December, with organizations estimating the total could surpass 25,000 deaths due to state violence. Khamenei’s government continues to assert a narrative blaming protesters for recent attacks on public institutions, intensifying the existing crisis.
