Iranian Inmates in 56 Prisons Launch Hunger Strike as Executions Top 177 Since March
Updated
Updated · mojahedin.org · Jun 16
Iranian Inmates in 56 Prisons Launch Hunger Strike as Executions Top 177 Since March
3 articles · Updated · mojahedin.org · Jun 16
Summary
Prisoners in 56 Iranian facilities began a coordinated hunger strike on June 16, marking the 125th week of the “No to Executions Tuesdays” campaign.
More than 177 people have been hanged since late March, according to the inmates, who said the surge followed the December 2025-January 2026 nationwide uprisings and was meant to suppress public anger over repression and high prices.
Ghezel Hesar Prison has become a focal point: political prisoners Ali Fattah and Mohammad Naghizadeh were moved to solitary after their death sentences were upheld, while Ali Kamali and 23-year-old uprising detainee Peyman Ganji were also transferred there.
Amnesty International has urged an immediate halt to the executions and warned that five political prisoners — Alireza Mardasi, Massoud Jamei, Reza Abdali, Farshad Etemadifar and Hassan Maslavi — face imminent risk.
The striking inmates appealed for coordinated action by rights activists and the international community, casting the campaign as a broader fight against Iran’s use of capital punishment.
Can a nationwide prison hunger strike actually halt Iran's state-sanctioned killing machine?
As Iran negotiates peace abroad, why has it launched a mass execution spree against prisoners at home?
2,500+ Executions in Iran (2024–2026): Inside the 125-Week Hunger Strike and the Fight Against State Repression
Overview
Since March 2026, Iran has faced a severe human rights crisis, with authorities carrying out executions at a pace not seen in decades. In response, death row prisoners and political detainees launched the 'No to Execution Tuesdays' hunger strike, which has continued for over 120 weeks and spread to 56 prisons by June 2026. This campaign is a powerful protest against the regime’s use of the death penalty and has drawn public attention to the plight of prisoners. Supporters are working to bring opposition to executions into the public sphere, highlighting the growing resistance inside and outside prison walls.