Women in Tehran Evin Prison Protest “Heinous” Executions

A group of women political prisoners staged a protest in the courtyard of Tehran’s Evin prison following the execution of three protesters last week. 

The gathering, which took place on the evening of May 20, brought together prominent activists such as Narges Mohammadi, Faezeh Hashemi, Bahareh Hedayat, Golrokh Iraei, Vida Rabbani and Sepideh Qolian.

In her speech, Mohammadi called the executions a "brutal act of retribution."

"Iran of today is vastly different from the Iran of the past, and the recent executions will yield outcomes contrary to the government's intentions," she added.

Iranian authorities escalated executions in recent weeks to try to instill fear in society following months-long nationwide protests sparked by the September death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody.

On May 19, three protesters were executed after the authorities held rushed trials, pushed the accused into forced “confessions" and denied them due process, sparking an outcry both inside and outside Iran.

During the protest in Evin prison’s courtyard, Hedayat urged political forces to develop a comprehensive plan to secure the victory for the protesters.

Iraei underscored the importance of voicing protest over the ongoing wave of executions.

Silence would only "bolster the leaders and perpetrators of these heinous crimes, as well as their international allies who prioritize diplomatic relations over condemning such acts."

The Islamic Republic has cracked down hard on last year’s widespread protests demanding fundamental economic, social and political changes.

More than 520 people were killed during demonstrations and over 20,000 others were unlawfully detained, activists say. Following biased trials, the judiciary has handed down stiff sentences, including the death penalty, to protesters.