On Saturday, July 12, 2025, the heart of Bournemouth witnessed a powerful outpouring of solidarity as the Iranian Academics Association organized a street exhibition and awareness campaign under the banner of “#NoToExecution.” Despite sweltering summer heat, a large number of locals, particularly members of the Iranian diaspora, gathered to show their support for Iranian women, girls, and youth currently facing execution under Iran’s hardline regime.
The event was a striking visual and emotional experience. Photographic displays, banners, and symbolic installations lined the pavement, drawing attention to the increasing number of politically motivated executions in Iran. Organizers from the Iranian Academics Association emphasized that the campaign aimed to bring global attention to the regime’s intensified use of capital punishment as a tool of political repression—particularly against young protesters and women demanding basic human rights.
Volunteers engaged with the crowd, offering leaflets and answering questions about the legal and human rights situation in Iran. Many passers-by were visibly moved, stopping to read the names and stories of those currently on death row. Petition stations were set up where people could sign in support of urgent international legal action to save prisoners facing execution. In addition, a fundraising box invited donations to support legal aid and advocacy efforts, both inside and outside Iran.
“The world needs to know what’s happening in Iran. These aren’t just numbers or names—they are sons, daughters, sisters, brothers. They’re our future being silenced,” said Dr. Ladan K., a spokesperson for the Iranian Academics Association. “This exhibition is about turning grief into action, silence into solidarity.”
What stood out about the event was the diversity of the crowd. While Iranian exiles made up a strong portion of the attendees, many locals from Bournemouth—families, students, and tourists—took time to engage with the cause. Many expressed shock at the cruelty of Iran’s penal system and praised the campaign for raising awareness in such a direct, human-centered way.
“I had no idea the situation was this dire,” said a local resident named Emma J., who signed the petition. “Seeing the faces of those at risk, reading their stories—it’s heartbreaking. I’m glad I came across this. It feels like the least I can do is sign and donate.”
This latest installment of the #NoToExecution campaign is part of a broader international movement responding to the Iranian regime’s escalating pattern of repression following waves of protests led by women and young people in recent years. According to human rights organizations, Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world, with a sharp increase since 2022 targeting protesters, ethnic minorities, and dissidents.
As the exhibition wrapped up in the late afternoon, organizers expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reaffirmed their commitment to continue speaking out. “Today showed us there’s hope in solidarity,” said one volunteer. “Bournemouth stood with Iran today—and we will carry this momentum forward.”
The Iranian Academics Association encouraged attendees to stay informed and continue supporting the cause through online advocacy and participation in future events.