Over the past week, cities across the United Kingdom bore witness to a powerful wave of activism and solidarity, as campaigners rallied to demand an end to the planned executions of Iranian political prisoners, particularly women, girls, and youth who have faced torture and unjust trials. From Sheffield to Liverpool to Manchester, street exhibitions and protests sent a unified message: the world is watching, and it will not stay silent.
In Sheffield, activists held a striking street exhibition dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent plight of Iranian political prisoners. The exhibition highlighted the cases of women, girls, and youths who are currently facing imminent execution after enduring brutal torture and sham trials. Campaigners urged passersby to speak out before it is too late, emphasizing the power of public pressure in preventing state-sanctioned violence. Banners with slogans such as “Stop Executions in Iran” and “Speak Now or Never” underscored the sense of urgency and collective responsibility.
Meanwhile, on 16th May, the city of Liverpool saw its own powerful act of resistance with a public street exhibition organized in solidarity against state violence in Iran. Activists displayed images and testimonies of prisoners at risk, called on the UK government to condemn the executions, and urged international bodies to intervene. The event served as both a space of mourning and a rallying cry for justice, drawing in locals and students who expressed deep concern over the human rights abuses unfolding in Iran.
Adding to this nationwide movement, the Iranian Academic Association issued a strong public statement demanding an immediate halt to the execution orders of Reza Moradi and Ali Zare, two political prisoners subjected to inhumane treatment and denied fair legal processes. The association emphasized the urgency of their cases and called on the global academic and human rights communities to raise their voices. “Their lives hang in the balance,” the statement read. “Global voices must rise to stop these atrocities.”
In Manchester, campaigners once again took to the streets in unwavering solidarity, particularly emphasizing the plight of Iranian women and girls. As in other cities, the Manchester demonstrations called attention to the systematic use of torture and the absence of due process in Iran’s judiciary. With placards, public speeches, and grassroots outreach, they sought to galvanize a wider movement against these state crimes.
This coordinated week of action across the UK marked an important chapter in the international human rights movement. Each city’s demonstration added strength to a growing global voice demanding accountability and justice for victims of political persecution in Iran. Organizers are now urging people to keep the pressure on through petitions, social media advocacy, and contacting MPs to demand diplomatic action.
As the international community watches, these grassroots efforts serve as a powerful reminder that solidarity can cross borders—and that silence, in the face of injustice, is complicity. The message is clear: the executions must stop, and the world must act now.
