Uncertainty surrounded the fate of Iranian detainee Erfan Soltani, who was slated for execution

The execution did not take place, and officials later said Soltani had not been sentenced to death.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

International concern intensified this month over the status of Iranian detainee Erfan Soltani after conflicting accounts emerged about whether he had been executed or remained alive in custody, according to human rights groups, i24 reports.

The uncertainty followed a series of actions by Iranian authorities that family members said strongly suggested Soltani faced imminent execution.

After his arrest on January 8 in Fardis, west of Tehran, during unrest linked to nationwide demonstrations, officials summoned his relatives to the prison on January 14 for what was described as a final visit.

The execution did not take place, and officials later said Soltani had not been sentenced to death.

For days, Soltani’s whereabouts and condition remained unclear. Reports circulated claiming he had been killed while held by the Revolutionary Guards, while his family said they had no direct contact or confirmation from authorities.

The situation shifted on Sunday, January 18, when the Norway-based Kurdish human rights organization Hengaw reported that Soltani’s family was allowed a brief in-person meeting.

The visit confirmed he was alive and in stable condition, marking the first direct verification of his status.

Soltani’s case drew particular attention after early reports identified him as one of the first detainees linked to the protests expected to face execution.

Rights groups and international media cited his situation as emblematic of Iran’s broader crackdown following the demonstrations.

Relatives have repeatedly disputed claims that Soltani took part in protests.

In interviews with CBS News, family members said he earned a living as a clothing seller and had no record of political activism. They said authorities never presented evidence connecting him to protest activity, though they acknowledged he opposed Iran’s current leadership.

According to available information, Soltani was convicted on charges that included participating in demonstrations, conspiring against national security, and engaging in propaganda against the state.

He has been held at Karaj Prison, a facility known for housing political detainees and individuals arrested in connection with protest-related cases.

Reports suggesting Soltani was at risk of execution prompted reactions abroad, including statements from President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Iran to halt executions of protesters and warned of consequences if the killings continued. Iranian authorities have not publicly acknowledged any foreign influence on Soltani’s case