Today, we’re discussing a grave issue unfolding in Iran. The political prisoners’ hunger strike against executions in Iran. Female political prisoners are actively involved despite enduring great hardships and punitive measures by prison authorities.
Let’s start by talking about the recent spike in executions in Iran. Can you give us an overview of what’s happening? How many individuals have been executed in recent months and how many of them were women?
Certainly. Since the inauguration of the Iranian regime’s new president and his cabinet, there’s been a disturbing increase in executions. Between July 22 and August 31, at least 138 people were executed, including nine women and two political prisoners.
This surge is part of a broader strategy by the regime to instill fear and suppress any potential uprisings. The most shocking event was the mass execution of 29 individuals on August 7, with 26 hanged simultaneously in Ghezel Hesar Prison. Additionally, the regime resumed public executions, a practice not seen since December 2022.
This is horrifying. Why do you think the regime is escalating these executions now?
The regime is under immense pressure due to widespread unrest and daily protests across the country. Iranian society is on the verge of erupting, and these executions are a desperate attempt to intimidate the population into submission. The regime believes that by executing prisoners, particularly political ones, they can stifle dissent and maintain control.
Has the new president said anything about the executions, such as calling for a halt or taking action to reduce them? There were hopes that he would be more moderate than the previous presidents!
The new president has so far said nothing about the surge in executions. It seems that this is one of the red lines for Masoud Pezeshkian, who has vowed to follow the instructions given by the mullahs’ supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and to follow in the footsteps of Ebrahim Raisi, the mass murderer who was killed in a helicopter crash last May.
Speaking of dissent, let’s talk about the hunger strike campaign led by political prisoners. What can you tell us about this movement?
The hunger strike campaign, known as “No to Executions Tuesdays,” began in late January 2024 at Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj. It’s a bold initiative where prisoners go on hunger strike every Tuesday to protest the regime’s use of the death penalty. The campaign quickly spread to 21 prisons across Iran, including the women’s wards of Evin and Lakan prison of Rasht, and female political prisoners in other detention centers. The prisoners risk severe punishment, including solitary confinement, beatings, and loss of visitation rights. Despite these harsh repercussions, their resolve remains unbroken.
It’s clear that these prisoners are incredibly courageous. Could you elaborate on some of the specific protests led by female political prisoners?
In the women’s ward of Evin Prison, protests have been particularly intense. In February, a group of female prisoners affiliated with the Iranian opposition joined the hunger strike. Over time, their group has grown, leading sit-ins, burning nooses in defiance, and continuing hunger strikes. These actions have been met with severe reprisals, including indefinite denial of family visits and brutal crackdowns by prison guards. Additionally, female political prisoners in Lakan Prison of Rasht and the Central Prison of Tabriz have also joined the hunger strikes to stop the executions.
The situation is dire. But do you think the international community is paying enough attention to these protests?
There has been some international attention, but it’s nowhere near enough. Sixty-eight human rights organizations have expressed solidarity with the hunger strikers, and some members of the European Parliament have voiced their support. And recently, Elisabetta Zamparutti, a former Italian MP, has even joined the hunger strike in solidarity.
However, more robust action is needed. The global community must hold the Iranian regime accountable for these human rights violations and take practical punitive measures to, indeed, stop the executions.
Now given the regime’s entrenched power and the severe repression faced by dissidents, do you believe these protests can make a real difference?
This is a valid question. The regime has repeatedly shown that it will use any means necessary to maintain control. However, it’s in a precarious situation, facing growing protests over the numerous crises engulfing the country, such as unpaid government employees and severe electricity shortages shutting down industries. As I mentioned, the situation is volatile. The prisoners’ hunger strikes have already drawn international attention, and each act of resistance chips away at the regime’s authority. The courage of these prisoners inspires others in Iran, showing that they too can challenge the regime.
That’s a powerful perspective. Before we wrap up, what message do you think these political prisoners want the world to hear?
The message is clear: these prisoners are not merely fighting for their own lives but for the dignity and freedom of all Iranians. They’re showing the world that even in the darkest of circumstances, the human will to resist tyranny and oppression remains unbreakable. They want the world to understand that the price of freedom is high, but they are willing to pay it. They call on the international community to stand with them, to amplify their voices, and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its crimes against humanity.
The bravery of these political prisoners is truly inspiring, and it’s a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran.
For more information, visit our website, wncri.org. That’s it for today’s episode. Until next time, stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s continue to be the voice for the courageous women of Iran.
