The 86th week of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign coincides with the anniversary of the nationwide protests of 2022, a movement that shook the foundations of the clerical regime and continues to inspire resistance across Iran.
In its new statement, the campaign declared:
“With the arrival of the anniversary of the nationwide protests of 2022, the day that shook the very foundations of the mullahs’ regime, we honor the memory of Zhina Amini and all those who lost their lives in that monumental and history-making movement.”
The campaign emphasized that the spirit of defiance endures despite violent repression:
“The uprising, which the tyrannical regime attempted to suppress only by firing bullets at the youth and women and by shooting protesters in the eyes, still continues in the resistance in streets and alleys.”
Surge in Executions Since 2022 Uprising
The statement highlighted the regime’s intensified reliance on executions following the 2022 protests:
“After the 2022 popular uprising, it horrifically intensified executions, and since then, in these three years, more than 3,175 people have been executed solely by hanging. Among them were 49 political and ideological prisoners and 95 women.”
NCRI Statement: Rebellious Youth Stage 10 Operations in #Tehran and 8 Cities After #MehranBahramian’s Executionhttps://t.co/HxF5dqlGCj
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 11, 2025
The campaign warned that the situation has worsened in recent weeks:
“In just the past week, at least 34 prisoners were executed, and since the beginning of September, more than 126 people have been hanged. These figures reveal, day by day, the human catastrophe and systematic violations of human rights in Iran.”
It stressed that this reality deepens “the responsibility of the international community and all freedom-loving people to stand against these ruthless executions.”
Remembering Navid Afkari and the Fallen Protesters
The campaign paid tribute to the wrestler Navid Afkari, executed on September 12, 2020:
“We also commemorate champion Navid Afkari, who was executed on September 12, 2020, sacrificing his life in the cause of freedom and justice.”
The statement drew a direct line from the protests of December 2017, November 2019, and 2022, affirming that “the people of Iran will never surrender to repression and tyranny.”
Condemnation of New Death Sentences
The campaign denounced recent death sentences issued against prisoners:
“The ‘No to Execution Tuesdays’ campaign strongly condemns the death sentences issued for Pezhman Touberehrizi, on the fabricated charge of corruption on earth, and Naser Bekrzadeh, a Kurdish prisoner accused on ‘security’ grounds.”
It called on “all human rights defenders and the public to resist these unlawful and unjust rulings.”
Solidarity with Saqqez and Commitment to Justice
The statement expressed support for striking miners and the family of a recent victim of repression:
“As members of the ‘No to Execution Tuesdays’ campaign, while expressing solidarity with the noble people and oppressed miners of Saqqez, and with the family of Mohammad Rashidi, who was murdered last night by the regime’s repressive forces, we declare that we will not relent until the complete abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of genuine justice in Iran.”
“No to Execution Tuesdays” Marks 85th Week as #IranProtests Grow Against Wave of Executionshttps://t.co/5FQI586ik0
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 9, 2025
The campaign pledged to continue:
“Each week, with greater strength, we will raise this powerful voice for justice and the defense of human dignity and human rights.”
Hunger Strikes in 52 Prisons
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, prisoners in 52 prisons across Iran joined the campaign’s hunger strikes, including Evin, Ghezel Hesar, Greater Tehran, Qarchak, Mashhad, Tabriz, Urmia, Sanandaj, and Sabzevar prisons. The participation of Sabzevar, which joined the campaign last week, shows the growing scope of resistance behind prison walls.