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An Iranian man detained during last month’s anti-government protests and reportedly sentenced to death has been released on bail, according to human rights organizations and Iranian state media.
Erfan Soltani, 26, was arrested on January 10 at his home in Fardis, a city roughly 25 miles west of Tehran. He was charged with “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal security” and “propaganda activities” against the regime, according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. His arrest came amid a violent crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.
Following his detention, the US State Department and Soltani’s family raised alarms that he could face execution. Iran’s judiciary dismissed these claims as “fabricated news,” though his family later said that any execution had been postponed.
US President Donald Trump said he had received assurances “on good authority” that Iran had no immediate plans to carry out executions, warning that the US would “take strong action” if protesters were executed.
On Saturday, Soltani was released on bail. The Norway-based human rights group Hengaw confirmed his release, and Iranian state media outlet Press TV also posted the news on Telegram.
Soltani’s case became one of the most high-profile internationally during the protests, which saw security forces respond with a brutal crackdown and a nationwide internet shutdown. Earlier reports indicated that Soltani was in good health and had been able to meet his family. A relative described him as an “incredibly kind and warm-hearted young man” who has “always fought for the freedom of Iran.”
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 6,400 protesters have been killed and over 1,000 arrested since the demonstrations began, with an additional 11,280 deaths under review. These numbers have not been independently verified.
Despite internet restrictions, reports from witnesses, medical professionals, and activists have documented widespread violence against protesters. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has acknowledged thousands of deaths during the unrest but blamed some on Trump, claiming the US encouraged protesters with promises of military support.
During the protests, Trump publicly urged Iranians to continue demonstrating and “take over” state institutions, although no military intervention followed. Tensions have since escalated, with Trump warning Iran to return to negotiations over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, threatening further US strikes if talks fail. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, expressed confidence that a deal could be reached, while Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a strong regional response.
Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world and has previously executed protesters following periods of unrest, making Soltani’s release a rare reprieve.
