Iran Executes Death Penalty for Protest Participation for First Time

Iran is reportedly preparing to carry out its first death sentence in connection with the ongoing anti-government protests, marking a deeply alarming escalation in the country’s crackdown on dissent.

According to human rights organisations, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani may be executed as early as Wednesday, 14 January. Soltani was arrested last week in the city of Karaj during a protest and is facing charges of “moharebeh,” or waging war against God—a charge frequently used against political dissidents. Reports indicate that Soltani was denied access to legal counsel throughout the judicial proceedings, raising serious concerns about due process.

Human rights groups have condemned the move as reminiscent of the human rights violations that plagued Iran during the 1980s. Mahmud Amiri Mogaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, stated in a press release: “The risk of mass executions and extrajudicial killings of protesters in Iran is profoundly disturbing. The international community must uphold the Responsibility to Protect and intervene to prevent the Iranian population from facing genocidal actions.”

Another advocacy group, the National Union for Democracy in Iran, has launched a global campaign calling for support to save Soltani’s life, emphasising that his only “crime” was advocating for freedom and democratic rights.

The situation has also attracted significant attention in Washington. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has adopted an uncompromising stance, warning that the United States may take military action if the Iranian authorities continue to violently suppress protesters. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump asserted that Iran has “never before faced such a genuine call for freedom” and that the U.S. is ready to assist. White House officials confirmed that Trump is reportedly considering the possibility of a targeted strike, while Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that although diplomacy remains the primary approach, military measures would not be ruled out.

Trump’s warnings have drawn criticism from some members of the U.S. Congress. Republican Senator Rand Paul argued that direct military intervention in another country’s domestic freedom movement is inappropriate, cautioning that attacks on Iran could unite the population behind the current government despite internal dissent. He also noted that any military action requires congressional authorisation under the U.S. Constitution.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is fully prepared for war and threatened retaliatory strikes against U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East in the event of any attack.

The case highlights mounting international concern over Iran’s handling of protesters and raises urgent questions about human rights, due process, and the risk of violent escalation both domestically and regionally.