A remarkable act of collective resistance has emerged from Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, where approximately 1,500 death-row prisoners have launched a mass hunger strike and sit-in protest against a new wave of executions. The action is one of the largest prison protests in recent Iranian history and has intensified international concern over the country’s growing use of capital punishment.
The protest began after prison authorities reportedly transferred six prisoners to solitary confinement, a step widely understood to precede execution. In response, inmates in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison collectively refused food, declaring that they would continue their protest until executions were halted and previous promises by officials to reduce the use of the death penalty for certain offences were honored.
In a statement circulated from inside the prison, the prisoners appealed directly to the Iranian people and the international community, urging them to become “the voice of prisoners in chains” and to oppose executions. Their message reflects growing desperation among inmates who fear that many more executions could take place in the coming weeks.
Ghezel Hesar Prison, located near Tehran, has long been regarded by human rights organizations as one of Iran’s most notorious detention facilities. Reports have consistently described severe overcrowding, inadequate medical care, poor sanitation, and harsh living conditions. The prison has also become synonymous with the country’s extensive use of capital punishment, particularly for prisoners convicted of drug-related offences.
The latest hunger strike comes amid mounting criticism from international human rights organizations over Iran’s increasing execution rate. Rights groups have repeatedly warned that many defendants receive unfair trials, limited access to legal representation, and convictions based on coerced confessions or procedures that fail to meet international legal standards.
The Iranian opposition has called on governments, the United Nations, and international human rights institutions to respond urgently to the unfolding situation. Campaigners argue that stronger diplomatic pressure and sustained international scrutiny are essential to prevent further executions and to protect prisoners whose lives may be in immediate danger.
Families of prisoners have also appealed for international solidarity, emphasizing that public attention can help reduce the risk of secret executions. Previous campaigns by prisoners and their relatives have occasionally resulted in temporary suspensions of executions, reinforcing the belief that international pressure can influence decisions by the Iranian authorities.
As the hunger strike continues, concern is growing over both the health of the protesting prisoners and the possibility of further executions. Human rights advocates argue that the international community should closely monitor developments, demand transparency regarding the fate of those on death row, and continue pressing Iran to comply with its international human rights obligations.
The mass protest at Ghezel Hesar Prison stands as a powerful reminder of the human cost of capital punishment in Iran and underscores the urgent need for renewed global attention to the country’s human rights situation.