Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, 26, is reportedly facing imminent execution today, January 14, 2026, a move that has ignited widespread international condemnation. Soltani was arrested on January 8, 2026, in Fardis, west of Tehran, during demonstrations in the nearby city of Karaj. Human rights organizations, including IranWire, Hengaw, and Amnesty International, report severe violations of due process in his case. Soltani was allegedly denied access to legal counsel, was not formally charged, and received no proper court hearing. His family was reportedly threatened and his sister, a licensed lawyer, was prevented from accessing his case files or representing him. He is reportedly charged with 'moharebeh' (waging war against God), an offense punishable by death under Iranian law. This execution, if carried out, would be the first reported hanging directly linked to the *current wave* of anti-government protests, which began recently. However, it is crucial to note that Iran has executed other protesters in previous waves of unrest, such as Mohsen Shekari in December 2022, and several others in 2023, following the Mahsa Amini protests. The swift and opaque judicial process surrounding Soltani's case has drawn sharp criticism globally. US President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to Tehran, stating that Washington would take "very strong actions" if executions continue. Human rights groups describe these actions as a brutal crackdown aimed at suppressing dissent, calling for immediate international intervention to prevent further extrajudicial killings.