For the 53rd consecutive week, prisoners in Iran have joined the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign, an initiative aimed at drawing attention to the alarming use of capital punishment by the Iranian regime. This campaign, which has gained momentum over the past year, symbolizes the growing resistance to executions as a tool of oppression within the country. Prisoners across 34 facilities nationwide have participated, some enduring hunger strikes as a form of protest. Their unwavering resolve underscores the collective call for national and international solidarity against the regime’s human rights violations.
In the past year alone, over 1,000 individuals have reportedly been executed in Iran—a staggering number that places the country as one of the leading practitioners of capital punishment in the world. Shockingly, more than 110 executions occurred in the last month, revealing the regime’s unrelenting efforts to instill fear and suppress dissent among its citizens. Many of these executions target political prisoners and ethnic minorities, further highlighting the regime’s use of capital punishment as a political weapon.
The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign represents a critical response to this brutality. By issuing weekly statements and enduring harsh prison conditions, the prisoners aim to expose the inhumanity of the Iranian regime. Their messages call for their voices to transcend the prison walls and reach global audiences. They urge the international community to act decisively in defense of human rights and to support the Iranian people in their struggle for justice and freedom.
This movement has also garnered significant international support. Over 3,000 prominent figures, including parliamentarians, mayors, and human rights advocates from 78 countries, have signed a statement condemning Iran’s use of executions and calling for immediate global action. They emphasize that the regime uses executions not as a means of justice but as a political tool to instill fear, silence opposition, and maintain its grip on power.
Despite the regime’s efforts to suppress dissent, the campaign continues to grow in strength and visibility. Prisoners have called for national solidarity, asking for unity between the people of Iran and those enduring the harsh conditions of incarceration. They believe that this unity is key to dismantling the system of oppression and ending the cycle of violence perpetuated by the regime.
The 53rd week of this campaign is a testament to the resilience and courage of those fighting for a more just and humane society in Iran. Their sacrifices serve as a rallying cry for global awareness and action against the atrocities being committed. The “No to Executions Tuesdays” movement not only sheds light on the plight of prisoners but also embodies the broader struggle for human rights and democracy in Iran.
