Erfan Sultani, a 26-year-old individual from Fardis near Tehran, is facing the death penalty through hanging following his arrest in the midst of anti-government protests in Iran. He was apprehended on January 8 amid the ongoing demonstrations that have engulfed the country since late December 2025, charged with moharebeh, a serious offense under Iranian law often utilized against perceived threats to the government.
Upon his arrest, Erfan’s family endured days of uncertainty before learning about his death sentence, with only a brief 10-minute farewell permitted. Concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding the speedy judicial process, which has been heavily criticized for its lack of procedural fairness.
It has been reported that Erfan may have been deprived of legal representation, as his authorized lawyer was allegedly denied access to his case files. The scheduled date for his execution is January 14, causing immense psychological distress as the deadline approaches rapidly for Erfan and his loved ones.
According to criminal psychologist Alex Iszatt, the prosecution’s tactics are designed to inflict maximum harm and fear on the detained individuals and their families. The abruptness of being informed about imminent death following an unjust legal procedure leads to severe psychological trauma, leaving no room for emotional processing.
The enforced brief farewells, closely monitored and controlled, intensify the emotional turmoil for Erfan and his relatives. Such traumatic experiences create lasting images of forced composure or distress, haunting family members endlessly. The lack of control over the situation and the unexpected nature of the events further amplify the anguish faced by the affected individuals.
Erfan’s impending execution has sparked anger both within Iran and globally, with rights organizations condemning the misuse of the justice system to silence dissent in the country. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran against executing protestors, emphasizing the need for accountability amid the escalating crackdown on dissent.
Initially triggered by economic grievances, the protests have evolved into anti-government demonstrations demanding a change in leadership. While the intensity of the protests appears to be diminishing, reports indicate a shutdown of internet services and international condemnation of the violent crackdown on protestors by several European nations.