Prisoners in 35 facilities across Iran have joined hunger strikes as part of the No to Execution Tuesdays campaign, now in its 54th week protesting the country's use of capital punishment.
In a statement released by campaign members, they described the growing movement as a direct response to what they called an authoritarian system that relies on executions.
The statement, acquired by Iran International on Tuesday, said that over 30 individuals, including a woman, have been executed since January 20.
“Let us not forget that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei previously acknowledged that judges should pay no attention to international human rights principles when issuing verdicts,” read the statement.
The authors also expressed appreciation for support online, in the media and through domestic and international gatherings by various groups on the anniversary of the campaign, expressing hope that enthusiasm continues for the cause
The initiative started on January 30, 2024, when female political prisoners in the women's section of Tehran’s Evin Prison initiated weekly hunger strikes to protest the rising number of executions and to express solidarity with inmates at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, who were taking similar actions.
Now well into its second year, the movement has continued to build momentum, gaining support from political prisoners nationwide.
