Erfan Sultani, aged 26, is facing the threat of hanging following his arrest amidst a series of protests against the government in Iran. He was swiftly handed a death sentence by an Iranian court after being apprehended during the ongoing demonstrations that have been shaking Iran since late December 2025. Erfan was accused of moharebeh, which translates to “waging war against God” and is considered a capital offense according to Iranian law, often used against individuals perceived as threats to the state.
His family endured days of uncertainty before learning about his fate, discovering that he had been condemned to death with only a brief 10-minute farewell permitted. Concerns have been raised by human rights organizations regarding the speed of the judicial process, criticized for lacking proper due process.
Reports indicate that Erfan may have been deprived of legal representation, as his lawyer was allegedly prevented from accessing his case details. The scheduled date for his execution is today, January 14, adding immeasurable psychological strain on Erfan and his loved ones as the deadline draws near.
According to criminal psychologist Alex Iszatt, the legal system is designed by prosecutors to inflict maximum harm and fear on the arrested individuals and their families. The abruptness of being informed about impending death following an unjust legal procedure creates severe psychological trauma, leaving no time for the mind to process the shocking transition from arrest to a death sentence.
The enforced short and monitored farewell calls intensify the trauma for Erfan and his family, depriving them of genuine final moments and adding to the emotional distress. This kind of imposed psychological suffering is recognized as a deliberate tactic of political terror to suppress dissent and project state power.
Erfan’s impending execution has sparked widespread outrage nationally and internationally, with rights organizations condemning the manipulation of the justice system to stifle opposition amid a government crackdown. US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Iran against executing protestors, emphasizing potential consequences for such actions.
The protests that initially stemmed from economic grievances have evolved into broader anti-government movements, demanding an end to the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the demonstrations appear to be subsiding, the internet has been restricted, and several European nations have summoned Iranian diplomats to address the violent crackdown on protesters.
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