Three More Prisons Join the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign in Its 69th Week

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – In the 69th consecutive week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign, prisoners in 44 prisons across Iran are on hunger strike. This campaign, launched by inmates to oppose and demand an end to capital punishment, has continued for over a year.

In this week’s statement, the hunger-striking prisoners expressed heartfelt gratitude for the widespread solidarity shown by people across the country in support of the campaign.

They also drew attention to the regime’s mismanagement, pointing to the deprivation faced by ordinary citizens:

“At a time when the country is plagued by systemic corruption and the failure of the ruling authoritarian structure—leading to the disruption of daily life and depriving people of basic necessities like water and electricity—the regime has not only failed to halt executions but has escalated them with clear intent.”

Full Statement by the Incarcerated Participants in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign

In its 69th week, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign has expanded to 44 prisons, with inmates in Mahabad, Bukan, and Yasuj joining the hunger strike.

The prisoners emphasized:

“While Iran is suffering from deep-rooted corruption and the collapse of an authoritarian system, the authorities continue to carry out inhumane executions. Rather than being reduced, the pace of executions has increased.”

The regime consistently withholds accurate data on the number of prisoners and executions. However, based on reports received by the campaign, at least 129 individuals—including four women—have been executed since early Ordibehesht (April–May). In just the past week, 25 executions were carried out, among them two juvenile offenders who were hanged in Malayer and Adelabad (Shiraz) prisons. These executions were carried out with blatant disregard for public opinion and international human rights norms, stripping these young individuals of their fundamental right to life.

Simultaneous with the 69th week of the No to Execution Tuesdays, family members of political prisoners sentenced to death staged a protest in Tehran.#FreeIran2025 #en_simayazadi pic.twitter.com/qT9Ti6nfj5

— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 20, 2025

In the face of this escalating violence and systematic violation of the right to life, the campaign has seen growing protests by families of death row prisoners and widespread support from young people across Iran. Citizens are increasingly expressing solidarity through grassroots initiatives.

“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, in a show of solidarity sparked by courageous Iranians inside and outside the country, the campaign gained unprecedented support. We extend our sincere thanks to all individuals, organizations, political parties, civil society groups, and human rights institutions who participated in this movement.

Additionally, a group of prisoners in Mahabad, Bukan, and Yasuj announced that they have joined the campaign and will go on hunger strike every Tuesday. With the addition of these three prisons, the total number of participating prisons has risen to 44.

🔥 Week 69 of the No to Execution Tuesdays campaign: Political prisoners in 44 prisons, including Mahabad, Bukan & Yasuj, joined the call to end executions and repression in Iran. Their resistance echoes across the nation. #FreeIran2025 #en_simayazadi pic.twitter.com/wXOWpVvgUv

— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) May 20, 2025

On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, prisoners in the following 44 prisons participated in the hunger strike:

• Evin (Women’s Ward, Wards 4 and 8)

• Ghezel Hesar (Units 3 and 4)

• Karaj Central Prison

• Greater Tehran Penitentiary

• Khorin Varamin

• Choobindar Qazvin

• Arak

• Khorramabad

• Asadabad Isfahan

• Dastgerd Isfahan

• Sheyban Ahvaz

• Sepidar Ahvaz (Women and Men)

• Shiraz Military Prison

• Adelabad Shiraz (Women and Men)

• Zahedan (Women)

• Borazjan

• Ramhormoz

• Behbahan

• Bam

• Kahnouj

• Tabas

• Mashhad

• Gonbad-e Kavus

• Qaemshahr

• Rasht (Women and Men)

• Roodsar

• Haviq, Talesh

• Azbaram or Ezbaram, Lahijan

• Dizelabad Kermanshah

• Ardabil

• Tabriz

• Urmia

• Salmas

• Khoy

• Naqadeh

• Miandoab

• Saqqez

• Baneh

• Marivan

• Sanandaj

• Kamyaran

• Mahabad

• Bukan

• Yasuj

Week 69
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
No to Execution Tuesdays