Iran is reportedly preparing to carry out the death sentence of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man arrested during recent street protests, as early as today, Wednesday.

The Norway-based Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which monitors rights conditions in Iran and the Kurdistan region, disclosed the information.

Erfan was detained last Thursday for taking part in demonstrations. His arrest was followed by an unusually rapid legal process, with his trial, conviction, and sentencing all completed in less than a week.

He was taken into custody in Karaj, a city northwest of Tehran, at a time when protests there had reached a peak before authorities shut down internet access. Erfan was among thousands of demonstrators arrested across Iran last week.

Amnesty International has expressed serious concern over his case, warning that Iranian authorities may once again use fast-track trials and executions as a tool to silence dissent. According to sources cited by the organization, Iranian officials informed Erfan’s family on January 11 that he had been sentenced to death. Due to the unrest and internet restrictions, he has been unable to communicate with his family since last Thursday.

Human rights monitors note that Iran carries out more executions than any country except China. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group reported that at least 1,500 death sentences were enforced in Iran last year alone.

Iran is currently facing its largest wave of anti-government demonstrations since 2022. What began as protests against soaring prices and economic hardship has rapidly evolved into a broader political movement. The unrest, which started on December 28, has now spread across much of the country.

Protesters are demanding an end to the current ruling system, with demonstrations continuing in Tehran and other major cities. An Iranian government official told Reuters yesterday that at least 2,500 people, including members of the security forces, have been killed during the ongoing unrest.

The Iranian government has accused the United States and Israel of instigating and fueling the protests.