Amid an alarming surge in executions in Iran, political prisoners across 38 prisons have declared a hunger strike as part of the 60th week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign. The initiative, which has grown into a nationwide movement against state-sanctioned killings, coincides with Nowruz and the Fire Festival (Chaharshanbe Suri), symbolizing resistance against oppression.
According to the campaign, at least 1,148 prisoners were executed in the Iranian year 1403, setting another grim record under the regime’s brutal policies. From February 19 to March 18, 116 individuals were put to death, marking a relentless continuation of mass executions.
The hunger strike comes at a critical moment, as political prisoner Hatem Özdemir faces imminent execution after Iran’s Supreme Court rejected his appeal for retrial. His case is part of a larger pattern of unjust death sentences imposed on dissidents and marginalized groups.
The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign has persisted despite heavy repression and has received support from workers, teachers, artists, human rights organizations, and civil society groups inside and outside Iran. The campaign urges all freedom-seekers to join the resistance against executions and take action to prevent further state-sponsored killings.
Below is the full statement from the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign, detailing the hunger strike and its demands.
60th Week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” Campaign in 38 Prisons Across Iran
Death Sentence Upheld for Political Prisoner Hatem Özdemir
On the eve of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) and the National Fire Festival (Chaharshanbe Suri), the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign extends its greetings to the people of Iran and Iranians worldwide, wishing that the resistance against tyranny and executions in Iran will burn as brightly as the Fire Festival flames, bringing an end to darkness, violence, and repression.
Join the online conference marking the first anniversary of the 'No to Execution Tuesdays' hunger strike in #Iran’s prisonshttps://t.co/QUW1CJKPL2
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 21, 2025
The ruling religious dictatorship in Iran has intensified its wave of executions, carrying out at least 116 executions in the last four weeks. Over the course of the Iranian year 1403, a staggering 1,148 prisoners were brutally executed, setting yet another shameful record in the regime’s ruthless repression.
Adding to its crimes, on March 13, a citizen named Heydar Mohammadi (Hasanvand) was tortured to death by regime forces at the Nahavand Police Detention Center.
Amid this ongoing crackdown, political prisoner Hatem Özdemir, currently held at Urmia Central Prison, is facing imminent execution after his request for retrial was rejected by the Supreme Court. The No to Executions Tuesdays campaign warns that his execution could take place at any moment.
Despite extreme pressures, the campaign marks its second Nowruz with steadfast resistance against oppression and state-sanctioned killings, vowing to redouble efforts in 2025 to fight against death sentences.
59th Week of “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign Expands to 38 Prisons Across Iran https://t.co/TiByDUlIkW via @en_simayazadi
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) March 12, 2025
The campaign expresses deep gratitude to all supporters over the past year, including political parties, civil society organizations, labor unions, human rights groups, and activists inside and outside Iran. Special thanks are extended to workers, teachers, nurses, retirees, writers, artists, grieving families, and students who have opposed executions in various forms.
Currently, the campaign has expanded its activities to 38 prisons across Iran, seeking to save thousands of prisoners on death row. Iranian prisons are filled with prisoners facing execution in the coming year. From Ghezel Hesar to Sheiban, Tabriz Central Prison to Vakilabad, Adelabad, Zahedan, Sanandaj, and Urmia, the regime’s brutality persists, and without urgent action, further executions will follow.
For example, out of approximately 130 female prisoners in Lakan Prison, 14 are sentenced to death, with two cases already referred for execution. Lakan Prison is just one among dozens of execution centers in Iran.
The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign calls on all prisoners across the country and all freedom and justice seekers to join and support this movement.
🔴 59th Week of "No to Execution Tuesdays" – Hunger Strike in 38 Iranian Prisons
On March 11, 2025, prisoners in 38 prisons across Iran launched a hunger strike to protest executions.
📢Since Feb 19, nearly 100 executions have taken place, including 28 in a single day. pic.twitter.com/Pp0DBg9YA5
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) March 11, 2025
On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, marking the 60th week of the campaign, prisoners in 38 prisons will go on a hunger strike in protest against executions in Iran:
- Evin Prison (Women’s Ward, Wards 4 & 8)
- Ghezel Hesar Prison (Units 3 & 4)
- Karaj Central Prison
- Greater Tehran Prison
- Khorin Varamin Prison
- Choobindar Qazvin Prison
- Arak Prison
- Khorramabad Prison
- Isfahan Asadabad Prison
- Isfahan Dastgerd Prison
- Sheiban Ahvaz Prison
- Sepidar Ahvaz Prison (Men’s and Women’s Wards)
- Shiraz Military Prison
- Adelabad Prison (Men’s and Women’s Wards)
- Borazjan Prison
- Ramhormoz Prison
- Bam Prison
- Kahnooj Prison
- Tabas Prison
- Jovein Prison
- Mashhad Prison
- Gonbad Kavous Prison
- Qaemshahr Prison
- Rasht Prison (Men’s and Women’s Wards)
- Roodsar Prison
- Haviq Talesh Prison
- Dizelabad Kermanshah Prison
- Ardabil Prison
- Tabriz Prison
- Urmia Prison
- Salmas Prison
- Khoy Prison
- Naghadeh Prison
- Miandoab Prison
- Saqqez Prison
- Baneh Prison
- Marivan Prison
- Kamiaran Prison
Week 60 – March 18, 2025
No to Executions Tuesdays Campaign