Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old resident of Fardis in Karaj, a suburb west of Tehran, has emerged as a grim symbol of Iran’s ongoing anti-Khamenei protests, as he is reportedly set to become the first protester to be executed by hanging since the latest wave of nationwide demonstrations began.

Soltani was arrested on January 8 for allegedly participating in protests against Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What initially began as demonstrations driven by economic hardship has since escalated into widespread unrest openly challenging the Iranian leadership.