February 18, 2025—In a continued show of defiance against the Iranian regime’s execution spree, prisoners in 36 prisons across Iran launched a hunger strike on Tuesday as part of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign. This marks the 56th consecutive week of this organized resistance, which has become a powerful symbol of opposition to state-sanctioned killings.
For the first time, prisoners from Dizelabad Prison in Kermanshah have joined the campaign, increasing the number of participating prisons to 36. This expansion underscores the growing determination among detainees to resist the regime’s machinery of repression and death.
Outrage Over the Suspicious Murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleqi
As part of their weekly statement, members of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign expressed their condolences over the suspicious and cruel murder of Amir Mohammad Khaleqi, a Tehran University student. Holding the Iranian authorities responsible, they declared:
“We hold the regime accountable and support the legitimate protests of the students at this university. We also consider the solidarity of other universities with these students as essential.”
The campaign’s support for Tehran University students reflects a broader unity between prisoners, activists, and students in confronting the regime’s systematic oppression. Student protests over this killing have intensified, with demonstrations spreading to other universities.
The Execution Machine Continues Its Deadly Course
The prisoners’ statement also denounced the relentless execution spree that has claimed at least 55 lives since January 20, 2025, including two women.
“The execution machine of the oppressive regime, which continues to work without pause, has executed at least 55 people since January 20, 2025—two of whom were women,” the statement reads.
This staggering number adds to an already grim record of state-sponsored executions in Iran, a policy that has drawn widespread international condemnation.
Death Sentence of Political Prisoner Sharifeh Mohammadi Upheld Again
Among the latest judicial injustices is the case of Sharifeh Mohammadi, a political prisoner whose death sentence was previously overturned by the Supreme Court—only to be upheld once again by a court in Rasht. The regime’s decision to reinstate the execution order has sparked outrage among prisoners and human rights organizations.
In response, prisoners convicted of ordinary crimes at Lakan Prison have announced they will join the hunger strike in solidarity with the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign.
“In protest of this ruling, prisoners convicted of ordinary crimes at Lakan Prison have also announced they will join the hunger strike in solidarity with the ‘No to Execution Tuesdays’ Campaign this week,” the statement said.
This development highlights the growing solidarity across prison populations, demonstrating that opposition to the regime’s execution policy is no longer limited to political prisoners.
Crackdown in Dehdasht: Arrests and Use of Live Ammunition Against Protesters
Beyond the prison walls, the Iranian regime continues its violent suppression of public dissent. The No to Execution Tuesdays statement strongly condemned the brutal repression of protests in Dehdasht, where security forces have resorted to mass arrests and live ammunition to crush demonstrations.
“We are witnessing bloody repression in the city of Dehdasht, with widespread arrests and the use of firearms to kill protesting people there,” the campaign declared.
Iranian authorities have escalated their tactics against peaceful demonstrators in recent months, using deadly force to silence any expression of discontent. The events in Dehdasht are yet another reminder of the regime’s unwavering commitment to repression and violence.
The Regime’s War on the Most Vulnerable: Children Suffering from Illness
In a particularly disturbing revelation, the campaign’s statement went beyond executions and street repression, highlighting the silent suffering of Iranian children with life-threatening illnesses. Due to crippling poverty and the lack of access to medical treatment, families are being forced to abandon care for their children, condemning them to slow, agonizing deaths.
“The brutality of this oppressive regime is not limited to repression, imprisonment, executions, and the killing of unarmed protesters in the streets. It also extends to the deprivation of life of children suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses. Families, crushed under poverty, are forced to abandon treatment for their loved ones—watching their slow death in despair,” the statement reads.
This humanitarian crisis, caused by the regime’s corruption and diversion of national wealth toward repression, underscores the broader impact of state policies on ordinary Iranians.
A Call to Action
In their concluding remarks, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign reiterated their commitment to defending the right to life, both for those on death row and for children suffering from terminal illnesses.
“Therefore, while condemning these crimes and inhumane actions, we consider it our duty to defend the right to life for those on death row, as well as children suffering from special illnesses,” they declared.
As the campaign enters its 56th consecutive week, its message remains clear: executions, repression, and systemic neglect will not go unanswered. The movement’s resilience stands as a powerful challenge to the regime’s strategy of ruling through fear and death.