Tehran/IBNS, Jan. 13 -- Iranian authorities are reportedly preparing to carry out what could become the first reported hanging execution connected to the ongoing anti-Khamenei protests.

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester, is facing imminent execution, according to human rights organisations and international media reports.

Soltani, a resident of Fardis in the Karaj suburb near Tehran, was arrested on January 8 for participating in demonstrations against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protests, which erupted earlier this month, have rapidly spread across several Iranian cities amid growing public anger.

According to reports, Soltani's execution is scheduled for Wednesday.

If carried out, it would mark the first hanging...