Iran's judiciary has denied it scheduled the execution of a man arrested in connection with the country's recent protests.
Norway-based Kurdish human rights organisation Hengaw reported earlier this week that the family of Erfan Soltani, 26, had been told he faced execution on Wednesday, just days after his detainment.
On Wednesday, Hengaw cited them as saying Soltani's execution had been postponed but expressed serious and ongoing concerns regarding his safety.
This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! commented US President Donald Trump, who had previously warned Iran against executing protesters.
The Iranian judiciary stated Soltani faced charges of colluding against national security and propaganda activities against the establishment, neither of which carry the death penalty, according to the state broadcaster IRIB.
Reports from foreign media about Soltani's execution were described as a blatant act of news fabrication by Iranian officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also asserted there was no plan to execute protesters, amidst increasing speculation concerning possible US military action in response to alleged human rights violations.
As per Trump’s statements, he claimed that he was informed by very important sources that plans for executions in Iran were stopping.
Soltani was reportedly arrested at his home last Thursday during protests in the northern city of Fardis, with conflicting accounts regarding the timing of his arrest.
A cousin of Soltani, speaking from Europe, expressed concern for his safety, particularly amidst an internet blackout hampering communication from Iran.
The US Treasury Department later announced new sanctions against five senior Iranian officials, labeling them as architects of the government's crackdown on activists.
According to various human rights organizations, over the past months, numerous individuals have been executed in connection with protests, raising alarms regarding the fairness of their trials and treatment in custody.
The latest wave of protests initiated following riots addressing the rising cost of living and widened to an overall challenge against Iran's clerical establishment.
Documented reports indicate numerous casualties amongst protesters and significant numbers of arrests, provoking international outrage and calls for accountability from Iran.
