15.01.2026 11:31
The number of people who have lost their lives in the protests that have been ongoing in Iran for 18 days has risen to 2,615, while a striking development has occurred regarding Erfan Soltani, who has been trending on social media. The Iranian judiciary denied the reports claiming that Soltani would be executed. It has been learned that Soltani, who is held in Karaj Central Prison, will be tried for "collaborating against the country's internal security" and "engaging in propaganda activities against the regime."
The U.S.-based Iran Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) announced that the number of people who lost their lives in protests that began due to economic issues has risen to 2,615.
NUMBER OF ARRESTS EXCEEDS 18,000
According to HRANA's report, 2,615 people lost their lives during the incidents that occurred during the protests. It was reported that 2,054 people were injured and 18,470 people were detained in incidents that took place in many parts of the country.
EXECUTION ALLEGATION CAUSES A STIR WORLDWIDE
While protests in Iran continue, a photo that surfaced on social media has remained in the spotlight for days. The allegation that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was detained during the protests in Iran on January 10, would be executed has created a buzz.
THEY MADE A CALL FOR HELP
Many users shared the photo to call for help, while today an important statement regarding the issue came from the Iranian judiciary.
IRANIAN JUDICIARY DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS
The Iranian judiciary rejected the allegation that Soltani had been sentenced to death. State media reported, citing judicial authorities, that Soltani is being held in Karaj Central Prison and is facing charges of "collaborating against the country's internal security" and "engaging in propaganda activities against the regime." Judicial authorities stated that even if these charges are confirmed by the court, the death penalty is not applied.
TRUMP: NO EXECUTION PLAN OR DEATH PENALTY
U.S. President Donald Trump also made statements regarding the latest developments in Iran during a ceremony where he signed presidential decrees at the White House today. Trump stated that the killings of protesters in Iran would be investigated by the relevant authorities, saying, "We have been informed that executions have been halted in Iran. There is currently no execution plan or death penalty. If such a thing happens, we will all be saddened. However, according to the information I have received, executions have stopped. They will not carry out executions."
PROTESTS IN IRAN
Protests initiated by shopkeepers in Tehran's Grand Bazaar on December 28, 2025, due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and economic issues, spread to many cities across the country.
After the incidents that occurred during the escalating protests in Tehran on January 8, the country's administration blocked internet access.