[51393] A Wave of Executions in Iran: Prisoner Protests and Sharp Criticism from Student Organizations

A Wave of Executions in Iran: Prisoner Protests and Sharp Criticism from Student Organizations

In the shadow of growing security tensions, the authorities in Iran continue to increase the pace of executions. Iran International reports that Tuesday, May 5, 2026, marked the 119th week of the "Tuesdays Without Executions" campaign, as prisoners in 56 prisons across the country began a hunger strike in protest against the repressive policy of the judicial system.

According to Iran International, the prisoners claim that the legal system has surrendered completely to the security arms of the Islamic Republic, which has led to an intensification of repression not only against political prisoners but also against detainees from recent protests and others. The report noted that female prisoners in Evin Prison were denied visits and phone calls after demonstrating against executions within the prison walls.

At the same time, DW Persian reports on the joining of academic bodies to the protest; the "Free Thought Association" at Allameh Tabataba'i University condemned the use of the death penalty as a "tool for intimidation and oppression." According to the association, the regime exploits "show trials" and accuses citizens of "Moharebeh" (enmity against God) and "corruption on earth" to silence dissenters.

Disturbing data was presented in a report by the Iran Human Rights organization, cited by DW Persian, according to which at least 1,639 people were executed in 2025 – the highest figure since 1989. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the organization's director, explained that the goal is "creating an atmosphere of fear" and an average of four to five executions per day, in order to preserve the "shaky rule" of the regime.

Public criticism is growing as the regime attempts to justify the wave of executions under the guise of "wartime conditions" and "maintaining security." The student organization emphasized in its criticism that "the massacre of civilians by local tyrants does not receive legitimacy with the outbreak of an external war."