The “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign has entered its 74th week, with prisoners across 47 Iranian prisons participating in hunger strikes. This ongoing protest highlights the alarming surge in executions and the deteriorating conditions of inmates, particularly as the Iranian regime appears to be exploiting the ongoing war with Israel to intensify its internal repression. Campaign organizers reiterated their earlier warnings that the conflict would be used as a smokescreen for such actions, a fear that has now tragically materialized.
Regime’s execution machine accelerates as predicted
In its statement from the 74th week, the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign had starkly warned that “war and execution are two sides of the same coin of slaughter and repression by governments, and we warned that the lives of prisoners are in danger and the trend of executions may increase.” The recent surge in state-sanctioned killings confirms these fears. “Unfortunately, our prediction came true,” the campaign’s latest statement affirmed.
The regime’s judiciary has been relentless in its pursuit of capital punishment. During the Iranian month of Khordad (approximately May 21 to June 21, 2025), at least 140 individuals were reportedly executed, a grim tally that includes five women. In the past week alone, death sentences were handed down to political prisoners Mohammad Darvish Narouei and Yasin Kabdani on vague and unsubstantiated charges of “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and “baghi” (armed rebellion), without any semblance of a fair trial. Concurrently, the executions of Majid Mosayyebi and Mohammadamin Mahdavi Shayesteh, accused of espionage, were carried out.
The campaign also raised alarms that “dozens of people have been arrested in various cities in secrecy, who may be tried and executed without a fair trial in war conditions.”
Evin prison: a flashpoint of heightened repression
The situation within Tehran’s notorious Evin prison has deteriorated sharply. Following Israeli airstrikes on Monday, June 23, which reportedly caused significant damage to the facility, including the women’s ward and general wards 4, 7, and 8, the Iranian regime is exploiting the ensuing chaos to further torment inmates. “According to published news, all general wards of the prison, including the women’s, 4, 7, and 8, have been seriously damaged, and prisoners in the general wards are besieged by prison guards, without water and food, and in a very terrible situation,” the campaign’s statement detailed.
Inmates in these damaged sections are reportedly facing intense pressure from the prison director and repressive security agents to accept immediate transfer to the Greater Tehran Prison. Compounding these concerns, political prisoners held in Ward 209 (under Ministry of Intelligence control) and Ward 2-Alef (controlled by IRGC Intelligence) have been forcibly moved to undisclosed locations, raising grave fears for their safety and well-being.
There are also reports of several prisoners sustaining injuries in the women’s ward and wards 4, 7, and 8 due to the attacks or subsequent actions by guards. The campaign strongly stated, “We vehemently condemn the forced and sudden transfer of defenseless prisoners under security and repressive measures.”
Steadfast resistance and urgent calls for international action
Despite the intensified crackdown, the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign continues its courageous resistance. On Tuesday, June 24, marking the 74th consecutive week of protest, prisoners in 47 prisons across Iran engaged in hunger strikes. Participating facilities include Evin Prison (women’s ward, wards 4 and 8), Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj Central Prison, Greater Tehran Prison, and numerous others spanning the country.
While condemning attacks on civilian centers such as prisons and hospitals, the campaign firmly places the responsibility for protecting prisoners on the Iranian regime. Instead, “we are witnessing the expansion of repressive measures by the regime against prisoners.”
A direct appeal was made: “The ‘No to Executions Tuesdays’ campaign calls on all opponents of war and execution not to allow more people to be victimized and executed in the ominous shadow of war. We call on all international and human rights forums to pressure the parties to stop the war.”
The campaign expressed their “deep concern about the situation of prisoners, especially in Evin prison and those sentenced to death, whose condition and whereabouts are unknown.” The campaign also urged the Iranian people to “demand the release of prisoners by any means possible… especially by gathering in front of prisons, do not leave the prisoners alone in this critical situation.” The core demands remain an “immediate ceasefire and the release of all prisoners, including political and ideological prisoners.”
The 74th week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign paints a stark picture of the Iranian regime’s strategy: to use external conflict as a cover for an intensified war against prisoners. The alarming rise in executions, the brutalization of inmates in prisons like Evin, and the enforced disappearances of political detainees demonstrate a calculated effort to crush dissent through terror.
The unwavering protests by these prisoners, even in the face of such dire circumstances, stand as a powerful testament to the unyielding spirit of resistance within Iran. Their calls for international attention and intervention are urgent alarms that the global community must heed to prevent further loss of life at the hands of the regime’s repressive apparatus.