Political prisoners continue nationwide hunger strike as at least 12 executions reported in past month, including campaign members

Nationwide Hunger Strike Enters 117th Consecutive Week

Political prisoners affiliated with the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign have continued their coordinated hunger strike for the 117th consecutive week, now spanning 56 prisons across Iran. The strike is being held in protest against the ongoing use of capital punishment and what activists describe as systematic political repression.

The campaign reports that during the past month alone, at least 12 political prisoners were executed, including individuals linked to the movement and detainees connected to recent protest waves. According to the statement, many of these executions were carried out in secrecy, without final family visits or public judicial transparency.

Executions and Allegations of Espionage Used to Justify Death Sentences

In its latest statement, the campaign accuses the authorities of attempting to justify executions by levelling allegations of espionage and foreign ties against political prisoners and protesters. It argues that such accusations are being used to legitimize death sentences amid escalating domestic and regional tensions.

The statement emphasizes that those executed were advocating for “equality, freedom, and independence,” and claims that the wave of executions has further intensified public anger and mistrust.

Mass Raids, Solitary Confinement, and Unannounced Executions

The campaign also highlighted a series of recent events, including a reported raid on the political prisoners’ ward at Qezel Hesar Prison, where inmates were allegedly transferred to solitary confinement under harsh conditions.

It further states that six campaign-linked prisoners were executed without final family visits or confirmation of completed legal procedures. Additional executions were reported in connection with individuals allegedly tied to recent uprisings.

Families of the executed prisoners, according to the statement, have not been given access to the bodies, a practice the campaign describes as a form of psychological pressure.

Growing Concern Over Prison Conditions and Solitary Confinement

The statement warns that dozens of prisoners, including many linked to the January 2026 protests, are currently being held in solitary confinement under unclear legal conditions. It reports that in some prison wards, such as those in Qezel Hesar, prisoners face heightened risk due to isolation and lack of legal transparency.

The campaign also claims that at least 12 of its members were executed in the Iranian month of Farvardin, describing the pattern as part of an intensified crackdown.

Call for International Intervention

The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign has called on international human rights organizations and global institutions to intervene immediately to halt executions and protect prisoners facing death sentences. It urges sustained political and legal pressure on Iranian authorities to stop what it describes as an “execution machine.”

The statement also calls on civil society groups, labor unions, and activists to continue public protest against capital punishment despite increasing state pressure and restrictions.

Participating Prisons in Week 117 Hunger Strike

The hunger strike is taking place in the following 56 prisons, including major facilities across the country such as Evin Prison, Qezel Hesar Prison, Greater Tehran Prison, Karaj Central Prison, Ghezel Hesar units, Rajai Shahr area facilities, Qarchak Women’s Prison, Adelabad Prison in Shiraz, Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz, Zahedan Prison, Mashhad Prison, Tabriz Prison, Urmia Prison, Sanandaj Prison, and many others across all major provinces.

Week 117

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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