Erfan Sultani, a 26-year-old individual from Fardis near Tehran, is facing the threat of hanging following his arrest amidst a series of anti-government demonstrations in Iran. He was swiftly condemned to death by an Iranian court on charges of moharebeh, which translates to “waging war against God” in Iranian law and is a capital offense often employed against those perceived as threats to the state.
Upon Erfan’s detention on January 8 during the ongoing protests that began in late December 2025, his family endured days of uncertainty before being notified of his death sentence, allowing only a brief 10-minute farewell. The expedited legal proceedings have sparked concern among human rights groups, with criticisms directed at the lack of due process in handling such cases.
It has been reported that Erfan may have been deprived of legal representation, as his appointed lawyer was allegedly obstructed from accessing his case details. The scheduled date for his execution is today, January 14, intensifying the emotional distress experienced by Erfan and his loved ones as the impending deadline looms.
Criminal psychologist Alex Iszatt has shed light on the psychological impact of such abrupt and harsh legal procedures, indicating that the system is designed to inflict maximum harm and fear upon the arrested individuals and their families. This abruptness in conveying the death sentence leaves no room for gradual emotional processing, plunging individuals into extreme states of anxiety and dissociation.
The enforced brief farewells, monitored and controlled, further exacerbate the trauma for Erfan and his family, depriving them of genuine final moments and truths. The manipulated nature of the farewell call heightens the psychological torment, imprinting forced calm or distressing images that haunt family members indefinitely.
The impending execution of Erfan has sparked widespread outrage both within Iran and globally, with rights organizations condemning the weaponization of justice to suppress dissent during the ongoing crackdown. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran, pledging severe action in response to the execution of protestors, amidst escalating tensions and violence in the region.
Originally triggered by economic grievances in late December, the protests have evolved into a broader movement calling for political change and an end to the current leadership. While the demonstrations appear to be slowing down, reports indicate a crackdown on internet access, and several European nations have expressed concern over the brutal treatment of protesters, summoning Iranian ambassadors to address the escalating violence.