Six Veteran Participants Executed as Prisoners Sustain Weekly Hunger Strikes
The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, marked by coordinated weekly hunger strikes by prisoners across Iran, has entered its 115th consecutive week. Despite intensifying repression, a wave of executions, and a nationwide internet blackout, the movement continues inside prisons, reflecting the resilience and determination of participating inmates.
Six Longtime Campaign Members Executed
In a major escalation, six longstanding members of the campaign were executed this week: Vahid Bani Amerian, Mohammad Taghavi, Babak Alipour, Pouya Ghobadi, Abolhassan Montazer, and Akbar Daneshvarkar. These individuals were among the earliest and most committed participants in the weekly Tuesday hunger strikes.
Their executions follow the earlier deaths of two other campaign participants, Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani. With these latest executions, the number of known members of the movement executed has risen to at least eight.
Silence from Prisons Amid Internet Blackout
Due to the ongoing nationwide internet shutdown and severe communication restrictions, no official statement from inside prisons has been released this week. The lack of access to communication channels has made it increasingly difficult to obtain timely updates about the status of prisoners and the continuation of the campaign.
Human rights sources have stated that any statements received will be published as soon as communication becomes possible.
Coordinated Transfers Preceded Executions
Reports indicate that on the evening of March 29, prison guards launched a violent raid on Ward 4 of Ghezel Hesar Prison. Prisoners were reportedly beaten and forcibly transferred to solitary confinement and undisclosed locations—actions that often precede imminent executions.
The executions were carried out over several consecutive days:
- March 30: Akbar Daneshvarkar and Mohammad Taghavi
- March 31: Babak Alipour and Pouya Ghobadi
- April 4: Vahid Bani Amerian and Abolhassan Montazer
Campaign Faces Intensified State Pressure
The execution of six veteran participants marks a significant escalation in the authorities’ response to this prisoner-led movement. These individuals were not only participants but also among the most prominent and consistent voices against capital punishment inside prisons.
Their execution appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaken and intimidate the growing anti-execution movement. However, the continuation of weekly hunger strikes—despite extreme repression and near-total communication blackout—demonstrates the unwavering commitment of prisoners to oppose the death penalty, even at great personal risk.
Call for International Action
Human rights advocates have renewed calls on the international community to move beyond expressions of concern and take concrete, coordinated action. They urge accountability for ongoing executions and increased pressure on Iranian authorities to halt the use of the death penalty and respect fundamental human rights.
