Prisoners on Hunger Strike Demand Immediate Halt to Executions and Abolition of Death Penalty
Campaign Honors Executed Political Prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani
Political prisoners and death-row inmates in 59 prisons across Iran have continued their hunger strike as part of the 131st week of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign. The campaign coincides with the anniversary of the execution of political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hasani, members of the anti-execution movement who were executed after a violent prison raid.
The prisoners condemned the continued use of the death penalty by the Iranian regime and called on international organizations and human rights institutions to stand with those facing execution sentences.
303 Executions Reported Since March 21, 2026
In their latest statement, members of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign warned that executions in Iran continue despite widespread domestic and international condemnation.
According to the statement, at least 303 people have been executed since March 21, 2026, the beginning of the Iranian calendar year. The campaign emphasized that the death penalty remains a tool of repression used by the Iranian authorities to intimidate society and silence dissent.
The prisoners also condemned the execution of political prisoner Mehdi Khanaki, who was reportedly hanged secretly without a fair trial.
Death Sentences Issued Against Political Prisoners
The campaign expressed concern over newly issued death sentences against political prisoners, including:
- Issa Chari
- Amir-Hassan Akbari-Monfared
- Sepehr Amirzadeh
- Akbar Arabzadeh
- Mehdi Arabzadeh
The prisoners called these sentences part of an ongoing wave of repression against political opponents and activists.
Remembering Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani
The 131st week of the campaign was dedicated to remembering political prisoners Behrouz Ehsani and Mehdi Hassani, who were executed on July 26, 2025.
According to the campaign statement, the two prisoners were transferred for execution following a violent assault on the political prisoners’ ward of Qezel Hesar Prison. Their fellow prisoners and families continue to demand accountability and information regarding their final resting places.
International Reactions to Iran’s Execution Wave
The campaign referred to international reactions against Iran’s increasing use of executions.
The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Iran recently expressed concern over death sentences issued in the “Alikhani Square” case in Isfahan and called for an immediate halt to the executions.
The European Union also imposed sanctions on five Iranian judges accused of involvement in issuing death sentences and other severe human rights violations.
The sanctioned judges include:
- Mostafa Narimani, Head of Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court of Karaj
- Abolfazl Ameri Shahrabi, Head of Branch 1191 of Tehran Criminal Court Two
- Mehdi Rasekhi, Judge of Branch 3 of Rasht Revolutionary Court
- Mohammad-Reza Amouzad, Head of Branch 28 of Tehran Revolutionary Court and Advisory Judge of Branch 15
- Mohammad-Reza Tavakoli, Head of Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court
Solidarity With 1,500 Striking Prisoners in Qezel Hesar Prison
The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign also expressed support for approximately 1,500 prisoners in Unit 2 of Qezel Hesar Prison, who have been on strike for two weeks protesting execution policies and demanding their rights.
The campaign called on human rights organizations, international institutions, and the global community to amplify the voices of prisoners sentenced to death in Iran.
The statement concluded with a call for freedom, justice, and equality for the people of Iran.
Prisons Participating in the 131st Week of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign
- Evin Prison (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Qezel Hesar Prison (Units 2, 3, and 4)
- Karaj Central Prison
- Fardis Prison of Karaj
- Greater Tehran Prison
- Qarchak Prison
- Khorin Prison of Varamin
- Choobindar Prison of Qazvin
- Ahar Prison
- Arak Prison
- Langeroud Prison of Qom
- Khorramabad Prison
- Borujerd Prison
- Yasuj Prison
- Asadabad Prison of Isfahan
- Dastgerd Prison of Isfahan
- Sheiban Prison of Ahvaz
- Sepidar Prison of Ahvaz (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Nezam Prison of Shiraz
- Adelabad Prison of Shiraz (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Firoozabad Prison of Fars
- Dehdasht Prison
- Zahedan Prison (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Borazjan Prison
- Ramhormoz Prison
- Behbahan Prison
- Bam Prison
- Yazd Prison (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Kahnuj Prison
- Tabas Prison
- Birjand Central Prison
- Mashhad Prison
- Gorgan Prison
- Sabzevar Prison
- Gonbad-e Kavus Prison
- Qaemshahr Prison
- Rasht Prison (Women’s and Men’s Wards)
- Rudsar Prison
- Haviq Prison of Talesh
- Azbaram Prison of Lahijan
- Dizel Abad Prison of Kermanshah
- Ardabil Prison
- Tabriz Prison
- Urmia Prison
- Salmas Prison
- Khoy Prison
- Naqadeh Prison
- Miandoab Prison
- Mahabad Prison
- Bukan Prison
- Saqqez Prison
- Baneh Prison
- Marivan Prison
- Sanandaj Prison
- Kamyaran Prison
- Ilam Prison
- Kerman Prison
- Borujen Prison
- Neyshabur Prison
Date: July 28, 2026
Campaign: #No_To_Execution_Tuesdays_Campaign