Erfan Soltani’s family is urgently appealing to President Donald Trump to step in and save the Iranian shopkeeper, who is facing execution for his participation in anti-government protests amid a wave of civil unrest.
Erfan was given a mere 10 minutes to say goodbye to his loved ones before being sentenced to death by Iran’s regime, which is aggressively suppressing demonstrations triggered by economic grievances. His impending hanging today marks another tragic death in the ongoing turmoil, deemed a significant challenge to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s lengthy rule.
In a heartfelt plea, Erfan’s relatives are imploring Trump to intervene and halt the execution, stressing the critical nature of immediate action. Speaking to CNN, Somayeh, a cousin of Soltani, urgently appealed, “We desperately need Trump’s intervention now. Please prevent Erfan’s execution.” She emphasized the trust placed in Trump’s commitment to taking forceful measures if Iran proceeds with executing dissidents, urging him to uphold those promises.
Expressing profound disbelief at the news of her cousin’s fate, Somayeh described her shock and sorrow, likening the situation to a surreal nightmare. She highlighted Erfan’s advocacy for basic freedoms in Iran, underscoring his dedication to the country’s liberty, which now faces a grim confrontation with the gallows.
Trump has urged public protesters in Iran to persist in their demonstrations through his Truth Social platform, cautioning the authorities of repercussions for the reported deaths of around 1,850 individuals. Promising assistance, Trump called on Iranian demonstrators to seize control of government institutions, signaling forthcoming support for their cause.
While Iranian officials acknowledge a lower death toll of 600, credible sources suggest a much higher count nearing 2,000 casualties. Legal proceedings against protesters labeled as “rioters” and “terrorists” are being expedited, with Erfan’s execution slated for January 14 in a departure from the usual protracted process for capital cases in Iran, a country known for its high rate of executions.
Somayeh refuted claims of violence by Erfan during protests, attributing any destruction to the regime’s actions and condemning the authorities for fabricating charges to justify the execution of young activists.