An Iranian citizen associated with anti-government protests, who was reportedly facing a death sentence, has been released on bail, as indicated by a human rights organization and Iranian state media.
Erfan Soltani, aged 26, was taken into custody last month amid widespread demonstrations and a harsh government response. He was arrested on January 10 at his residence in Fardis, located roughly 25 miles west of Tehran, where he faced charges of 'assembly and collusion against the country's internal security' and 'propaganda activities' against the state, according to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.
After his capture, both the US State Department and a family member of Soltani expressed concerns that Iranian authorities were considering his execution. However, Iran's judiciary refuted these claims, labeling them as 'fabricated news,' as reported by IRIB. Subsequently, Soltani's family announced that any execution plans had been postponed.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he had received reliable assurances indicating that there was no intention to execute protesters in Iran, amid escalating worries for Soltani's well-being. He warned Iran against proceeding with executions, threatening that the U.S. would respond strongly if such actions were taken.
On Saturday, Soltani was granted bail, a fact confirmed by Hengaw, a human rights organization based in Norway, as well as by Iran's state media outlet Press TV through a post on Telegram.
Soltani's situation gained significant international attention during the widespread protests against the Iranian government that erupted last month, marked by a severe crackdown from security forces and a prolonged shutdown of internet services nationwide.
Earlier reports indicate that Soltani was in stable health and had been able to reunite with his family. A relative described him as an 'incredibly kind and warm-hearted young man' who has always stood for Iran's freedom.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that since the protests began, over 6,400 individuals have been killed while more than 1,000 have been arrested and an additional 11,280 deaths are currently under investigation. These numbers have not been independently verified.
Despite the internet blackout, information regarding the crackdown continued to surface through testimonies from witnesses, human rights advocates, and healthcare professionals, indicating widespread violence against protesters perpetrated by security forces.
Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged that thousands lost their lives during the unrest lasting more than two weeks. He attributed some of the blame to Trump, accusing him of inciting protests by promising military support from the U.S.
During the protests, Trump encouraged Iranians to persist in their demonstrations and to 'take over' state institutions, stating that assistance was forthcoming. Although there was no military intervention, tensions have heightened since then.
Trump has cautioned Iran to return to negotiations regarding its nuclear and missile programs, threatening further U.S. military strikes if discussions do not progress. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed confidence that a deal could be reached, while Khamenei warned that any U.S. attack would provoke a strong response from the region.
Iran has one of the highest execution rates globally and has previously executed protesters following episodes of significant unrest.
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