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Iran’s Judiciary Orders Rapid Trials as First Protester Execution Is Reported Imminent

Rights groups cite thousands of deaths with mass detentions under an internet blackout.

Overview

  • Judicial chief Gholamhosein Mohseni Ejei announced that courts will move quickly to issue punishments, including executions, for detainees from the recent protests.
  • The U.S. Department of State and NGOs say 26-year-old Erfan Soltani faces execution on January 14 after a two-day process without legal counsel or access to case files.
  • Hengaw reports Soltani’s family was permitted a rare visit at Ghezel Hesar prison early Wednesday local time ahead of the scheduled hanging.
  • HRANA reports at least 2,571 people have been killed and Iran Human Rights estimates about 10,000 detentions since demonstrations that began December 28.
  • President Donald Trump warned of a “very strong” response if executions proceed, while Iranian media said Ejei visited a Tehran prison and promised public, rapid trials, and authorities prepared a mass funeral for roughly 100 security personnel.