Three Additional Prisons Join Nationwide Hunger Strike Against Capital Punishment
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 — Marking its 69th consecutive week, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign has now expanded to 44 prisons across Iran, as incarcerated individuals continue their hunger strike in protest against the death penalty. This grassroots initiative, launched by prisoners themselves, has become a powerful and sustained act of resistance demanding an end to state executions.
In a statement released this week, the hunger-striking prisoners expressed deep appreciation for the widespread solidarity demonstrated by people across the country. They condemned the regime’s ongoing mismanagement and systemic corruption, which have plunged citizens into hardship:
“At a time when the country is plagued by systemic corruption and the collapse of an authoritarian regime—leaving people without even basic necessities such as water and electricity—the government has not only refused to stop executions but has intensified them with clear intent.”
This week’s expansion saw inmates in Mahabad, Bukan, and Yasuj prisons joining the protest, underscoring the growing momentum of the movement.
The prisoners emphasized:
“While Iran is reeling from deep-rooted corruption and authoritarian collapse, the authorities persist in their inhumane practice of executions. Instead of decreasing, the rate of executions is accelerating.”
Due to a lack of transparency from the regime, exact figures remain unknown. However, reports received by the campaign indicate that at least 129 individuals, including four women, have been executed since early Ordibehesht (April–May). In the past week alone, 25 people were executed—among them two juvenile offenders, hanged in Malayer and Adelabad (Shiraz) prisons, in flagrant violation of international human rights norms.
The continued violence and disregard for the right to life have triggered a surge in protests, particularly from families of death row inmates and youth-led initiatives throughout the country. The campaign’s statement urged further public action:
“We, the members of the campaign, salute all those who support the call to end executions and urge everyone—especially the youth—to raise their voices in every street and neighborhood against this inhumane punishment. We call on all opponents of the death penalty to stand with grieving families and join their protest gatherings.”
Last week, the campaign saw a significant rise in national and international support, fueled by the determination of those inside and outside Iran. The statement concluded with heartfelt thanks:
“We extend our sincere gratitude to all individuals, organizations, political parties, civil society groups, and human rights institutions who have joined and amplified this movement.”