Over 800 Iranian Artists and Writers Sign Statement Against Executions

More than 800 Iranian artists, writers, journalists, and activists signed a statement supporting prisoners who went on hunger strike at Qezelhesar prison to protest executions.

The signatories said the Islamic Republic has increased executions in recent months, particularly at the prison near Tehran.

Prisoners in Ward 2 of Qezelhesar sewed their lips shut and began a hunger strike in response to recent executions.

Several prisoners were transferred to the prison clinic after their conditions deteriorated.

The prisoners suspended their strike after authorities promised to suspend executions for six months, the statement said.

"The full responsibility for the life, health, and security of these prisoners rests with the Islamic Republic of Iran," the statement said.

The signatories called the execution policy a tool for "organized violence" rather than justice. 

They said it shows the government's inability to achieve social reform.

The statement added that political prisoners at Qezelhesar have conducted weekly hunger strikes for more than a year as part of a campaign called "No to Executions Tuesdays."

"In a society trapped by poverty, discrimination, and corruption, the rise in death sentences is not a sign of authority but an admission of the failure of law and morality," the statement said.

The signatories urged Iranians and international human rights organizations to respond to the increase in executions.

"Execution has nothing to do with justice. Execution is the end of justice," the statement said.

Iran executed at least 187 prisoners in September, a 140 per cent increase compared to the same month last year, marking the highest monthly total in two decades.

The executions included three political prisoners and two prisoners of conscience.

Amnesty International reported last week that Iran executed more than 1,000 people in the first nine months of 2025.