On Saturday, members of the Iranian Scholars in Exile, affiliated with the Iranian Academic Association Campaign, organized a poignant street exhibition in central Sheffield. The event was held in solidarity with brave Iranian women, girls, and youth currently imprisoned and facing execution under Iran’s authoritarian regime. The exhibition formed part of the global #NoToExecution movement, which aims to raise awareness about the increasing use of capital punishment as a tool of political repression in Iran.
Set against the backdrop of Sheffield’s bustling city center, the exhibition drew attention from hundreds of passersby. The display featured symbolic installations, including rows of empty shoes and photographs of victims, evoking the absence left by those unjustly imprisoned or executed. Posters and banners carried stark messages condemning state violence and calling for international support to end the systematic persecution of dissenting voices in Iran.
The street exhibition aimed to serve not only as a memorial to those lost but also as a wake-up call to the international community. Organizers and participants—largely Iranian scholars who have sought refuge in the UK due to political persecution—stood in solemn vigil throughout the day. They handed out leaflets detailing the stories of political prisoners, many of whom are young women and men targeted for participating in protests, expressing dissent, or simply refusing to comply with strict state-imposed norms.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Leila R., one of the organizers and a lecturer in Middle Eastern studies, emphasized the urgency of global action: “This is not just about Iran. This is about basic human rights. These young people are being silenced with unimaginable cruelty for demanding freedom, equality, and dignity. We, as academics and members of the Iranian diaspora, have a moral obligation to speak out and support them.”
The #NoToExecution campaign has gained traction worldwide following the Iranian government’s intensified crackdown on protests since 2022, when mass demonstrations erupted after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody. Since then, thousands have been detained, and numerous protestors have been executed after rushed and opaque legal proceedings widely condemned by international human rights organizations.
In Sheffield, the scholars’ presence and message resonated with the local community. Many attendees, including students and local activists, engaged with the exhibition, expressing solidarity and asking how they could support the cause. Some signed petitions demanding that the UK government take a firmer stance on human rights violations in Iran, while others shared photos of the exhibition on social media, amplifying the campaign’s message.
The event concluded with a moment of silence for the victims, followed by a reading of names of those executed or awaiting execution. As dusk fell over the city, the determination of the organizers remained undimmed.
This powerful act of public engagement exemplifies the enduring commitment of the Iranian academic diaspora to justice and human rights. Through their voices, the plight of Iran’s oppressed youth continues to echo far beyond its borders.