Some Iranian prisoners facing execution reportedly sew lips shut amid hunger strike

More than 1,500 death row inmates at a prison in the Tehran area have launched a hunger strike, with some resorting to sewing their lips shut in a desperate plea for their lives. The protest at Ghezel Hesar prison began two weeks ago after six inmates were transferred to solitary confinement, signaling their imminent execution.

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These are prisoners who committed errors simply to afford the basic necessities of life, and they deeply regret their actions. Where else in the world is a human life taken for a first mistake?

Videos circulating from inside the facility show prisoners holding placards that read "No to Executions" and chanting, "Be our voice." Graphic footage also depicts inmates with their mouths sewn shut. According to reports citing Iranian human rights groups, prison guards have not responded to the strike and have denied medical treatment to some inmates.

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No to Executions

The prisoners, some of whom are facing execution for drug offenses or charges related to recent anti-government protests, stated in a message seen by AFP: "These are prisoners who committed errors simply to afford the basic necessities of life, and they deeply regret their actions. Where else in the world is a human life taken for a first mistake?"

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Be our voice.

Iran has reportedly intensified its execution rate in recent months. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group stated that over 424 people have been executed so far this year. Last year, at least 795 people were executed on drug-related charges. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHR's director, told The Guardian that the prisoners at Ghezel Hesar are taking an extraordinary risk, hoping their protest will compel the international community to increase the political cost of these executions.

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Whenever the shadow of war over the regime lifts even slightly, the regime becomes more savage.