Iran State Media Says 26‑Year‑Old Protester Won’t Face Death Penalty

Human rights group Hengaw warned that 26‑year‑old Iranian protester Essam Soltani, arrested in Karaj during widespread demonstrations that began in December and intensified on January 8, 2026, faced a scheduled execution on Wednesday. Iranian state media later clarified that while Soltani is charged with “colluding against internal security,” the death penalty is not applicable for such charges unless a court confirms it. The protests, sparked by soaring inflation and the rial’s collapse, have drawn a death toll of 116 and expanded to demands for political reform. Authorities blame foreign enemies and label protestors as terrorists, while opposition figures like ex‑Shah Pahlavi 65, living abroad, seek to influence the situation. The case highlights Iran’s strict legal procedures amid civil unrest.