In a courageous act of defiance, political prisoners across 22 prisons in Iran continued their hunger strike this week, marking the 38th consecutive week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign. This latest strike coincides with the aftermath of the clerical regime’s recent execution spree, where the state executed seven prisoners on World Day Against the Death Penalty and over 36 people in just the last week, including 19 hangings in a single day.
The participating prisons, including Evin, Ghezel Hesar, and prisons in cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, and Shiraz, are united in their stand against the Iranian regime’s increasing reliance on executions as a tool of suppression. In their powerful statement, the prisoners condemned the regime’s barbaric actions, noting that the Judiciary is now referring cases seeking hand amputation for eight alleged thieves in Tehran. “This mocks and tramples on international human rights laws,” the statement read, “a clear attempt to quell dissent and prevent potential uprisings.”
The prisoners emphasized the urgent need for global attention, as the hunger strike has been ongoing for over eight months. “We are resisting these inhumane death sentences, regardless of the accusations against us, to give voice to those condemned to death.” The campaign has gained international recognition, with UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, Ms. May Sato, acknowledging its significance in her recent remarks. However, the prisoners urged for more decisive action: “We call on Ms. Sato, the Human Rights Council, and all international human rights bodies for immediate and stronger measures to stop the regime’s killing machine. The lives of countless defenseless prisoners depend on it.”
After 37 weeks of unwavering resistance inside the regime's most brutal torture centers, #Iran's bravest have sparked a campaign that has now become a global call to #StopExecutionsInIran.https://t.co/2uMCtouNUR
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) October 10, 2024
Their message reflects a deep resolve to continue their fight despite the regime’s relentless brutality. “We will not allow them to silence us with fear. Our resistance is our greatest weapon,” the prisoners declared, highlighting the spirit that drives their continued hunger strike in the face of danger. This movement, driven by the courage of political prisoners, is a rallying cry for justice in a nation plagued by the horrors of the regime’s execution machinery.
As the Iranian regime faces growing pressure both inside and outside the prison walls, the 38-week-long campaign is a testament to the unyielding spirit of resistance. It calls upon the international community to intervene, not only to save the lives of those at risk but also to challenge the regime’s ongoing crimes against humanity. Only through collective action can the world stand in solidarity with the Iranian people and confront the regime’s atrocities.
