The death penalty as a tool of repression against protests in Iran
The case of Erfan Soltani has, within hours, become one of the most dramatic symbols of the repression of protests in Iran. Soltani, a young Iranian demonstrator, was arrested by security forces and sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh (“waging war against God”), an accusation frequently used by the regime to target political dissent. The speed of the proceedings, the lack of a fair trial, and the denial of access to independent legal defense immediately raised alarms among human rights organizations.
According to information released by activists and NGOs, Erfan Soltani was held in isolation, denied regular communication with his family, and subjected to an opaque and summary judicial process. In this context, the death penalty appears not as the outcome of a genuine determination of facts, but as a political instrument of intimidation, designed to instill fear and discourage public participation in the protests that have swept the country for months.
His case fits into a broader pattern of systematic repression: mass arrests, expedited trials, exemplary sentences, and the widespread use of capital punishment against protesters, activists, journalists, and real or alleged opponents. Justice is bent to the logic of control and retaliation, while fundamental guarantees—presumption of innocence, the right to defense, and transparency—are routinely denied.
The case of Erfan Soltani has prompted international reactions and urgent appeals calling on Iranian authorities to halt the execution and comply with international law. Beyond diplomatic statements, however, his name has become a collective cry. It represents a generation demanding freedom, dignity, and a future, and a regime that responds with fear and violence.
If the execution is carried out, it will not only mark the death of a young protester, but send a brutal message to an entire country. For this reason, the case of Erfan Soltani does not concern Iran alone, but challenges the conscience of the international community and its commitment to the value of human life and the defense of fundamental rights.
