Iranian government officials have made public their strategies to quickly try and put to death those apprehended during widespread demonstrations. The US has cautioned about a severe response, and advocates for human rights are raising concerns.
Protests against executions in Iran / © Associated Press
The Iranian administration has stated its intention to accelerate the trials and implement capital punishment for arrested participants in widespread demonstrations.
This is being reported by the Bild publication.
The declaration by the Iranian judicial system follows a strong reaction from the United States. Earlier, President Donald Trump had cautioned that Washington would undertake “very firm actions” if protestors faced execution.
Simultaneously, rights campaigners are reporting a harsh suppression of demonstrations throughout the nation. Despite pressure internationally, the Iranian authorities are exhibiting a willingness to act as forcefully as conceivable and to remain committed to their chosen course.
The situation of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani has created particular consternation. He was taken into custody the previous week during demonstrations, and his family received notice of his scheduled execution on January 14.
Campaigners later indicated the execution had been briefly delayed. Soltani’s relatives informed the Associated Press that upon arriving at Karaj prison near Tehran, they were informed that the execution had been postponed. Nonetheless, the individual remains incarcerated and has not been freed.
According to rights campaigners, Erfan Soltani was employed as a vendor in a clothing shop and was among thousands arrested in the aftermath of initially peaceful demonstrations in Iran turning aggressive.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday, January 14, that per “dependable sources,” killings amidst demonstrations in Iran are ceasing and no executions are being planned. This statement emerged against the backdrop of earlier reports regarding thousands of fatalities during protests against the government.
Earlier, an informant in Iran conveyed to CBS News that activists and medics estimated the number of deaths at least 12,000 people, perhaps even 20,000.
Trump pledged “very decisive action” were Iran to continue executing protestors and encouraged Iranians to capture government installations, stating, “Assistance is imminent.”