Facing the threat of execution by hanging is Erfan Sultani, a 26-year-old individual who was apprehended during a series of protests against the government in Iran. Following his swift arrest, Erfan was promptly condemned to death by an Iranian court.
Erfan, a resident from Fardis near Tehran, was taken into custody on January 8 amidst the ongoing demonstrations that have engulfed Iran since late December 2025. He was charged with moharebeh, an offense punishable by death under Iranian legislation and commonly used against those perceived as endangering the state.
His family endured days of uncertainty before learning about his fate, discovering that he had received a death sentence with only a brief 10-minute farewell permitted. Concerns have been raised by human rights groups regarding the rapidity of the legal proceedings, with several human rights organizations condemning the lack of due process in such cases.
Reports suggest that Erfan may have been deprived of legal representation, as his authorized attorney was allegedly denied access to his case file. The scheduled date for his execution is today, January 14, adding immense psychological pressure on Erfan and his family as the deadline looms.
Criminal psychologist Alex Iszatt, speaking to the Mirror, explains that the legal system seems designed by prosecutors to inflict maximum distress and fear on the detained individuals and their families.
According to Alex, the abruptness of being informed about imminent execution following an unfair legal process creates a severe psychological impact, forcing the mind into extreme survival modes, oscillating between heightened anxiety and emotional detachment.
Ms. Iszatt elaborates that during such circumstances, individuals may alternate between fear of the unknown and emotional numbness as a coping mechanism against overwhelming terror. The constrained and monitored farewell calls further intensify the trauma for Erfan and his relatives, depriving them of genuine final moments.
Rather than providing closure, the controlled interactions before execution become lasting memories of forced calm or distress, tormenting family members with endless replays in their minds. The lack of control over the situation exacerbates the anguish for all involved.
The impending execution of Erfan has sparked widespread outrage both within Iran and globally. Rights organizations view his case as a stark illustration of the state’s utilization of the justice system to quash dissent amid escalating crackdowns.
US President Donald Trump has cautioned Iran against executing protestors, stating that America would respond strongly to such actions. The protests, initially triggered by economic issues, have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations demanding changes in leadership.
While protests appear to be subsiding, reports indicate that internet access has been restricted. Several European nations have summoned Iranian diplomats to address the violence, with the UK condemning the brutal treatment of protesters.
At Reach and across our entities , we and our partners utilize data from cookies and other identifiers to enhance site experience,