The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a non-governmental organization generally regarded as reliable, issued a statement following a wave of online posts claiming that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani had been killed by the Iranian authorities.

After widespread reports and social media speculation about whether Erfan Soltani was still alive, the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights stated in a post that the 26-year-old, who has become a prominent figure in recent protests, is alive and received a visit from his family today at the prison where he is being held.

In its statement, Hengaw said:

“Erfan Soltani is alive and in stable condition following fears of an imminent execution. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights has learned that his family was granted permission for a brief in-person visit with him today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, and confirmed that he is alive and in stable physical condition.

This development follows days of intense concern about the fate of the 26-year-old. Erfan Soltani, from Fardis in Karaj, was arrested on Thursday, January 8, 2026, during public demonstrations in Karaj.

A few days later, authorities informed his family that they should report to the prison on Wednesday, January 14, for a ‘final visit’ prior to his execution, a notification widely interpreted as indicating an impending death sentence.

However, the execution did not take place on the announced date. Following widespread concern and inquiries, officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran later denied that a death sentence had been issued against him.

Until today’s brief visit, the family had received no direct or official confirmation that Erfan Soltani was still alive.”

About Hengaw

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights is a Kurdish-founded non-governmental organization that focuses on documenting and monitoring human rights violations in Iran. While its work primarily covers Kurdish regions, it also reports on cases across the country. Hengaw operates in a highly restricted environment, relying on local networks, families of detainees, lawyers, and activists to document arrests, executions, death sentences, protest crackdowns, and violations of minority and women’s rights.