As Iran’s regime is trapped in a web of social, economic, and political crises, it has turned to executions to maintain its grip on power. In a single day, at least 14 prisoners—including four women—were executed in prisons across the country, including in Kermanshah, Damghan, Birjand, Kahnouj, Shiraz, Borujerd, and Zahedan. Since May 22, the number of executions has reached 20. Since April 21, the regime has executed 170 prisoners, marking the highest execution rate in recent years.
At dawn on Monday, May 19, Setareh Taherloo, a woman who had been arrested three years earlier on drug-related charges, was hanged in Damghan Prison. The rise in the number of women executed in recent months reflects the regime’s deep cruelty toward vulnerable segments of society.
Seventieth Week of the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign in Iran’s Prisons
Mass Execution in Birjand
On the morning of Monday, May 26, eight prisoners—including five men and three women—were executed in Birjand Prison. One of the victims, Hamid Shirzai, 39 years old, was married and the father of ten children. His execution, carried out without allowing a final visit with his family, is a clear violation of the basic rights of prisoners.
This wave of executions reveals the Iranian regime’s fear of growing public protests. These include the truck drivers’ strike in more than 110 cities, protests by bakers, and widespread dissatisfaction across various sectors of society.
Even members of the regime’s Majlis (parliament) acknowledge the crisis. On May 23, MP Javad Nikbin warned, “This volume of protests is not normal.” Another MP, Ahmad Bigdeli, spoke of a “threshold situation” and added, “If we cannot reform matters, this dissatisfaction will lead to a social explosion.” These remarks show that even inside the regime, the fear of a popular uprising has reached its peak.
Urgent Need for Global Action and Popular Solidarity
The recent executions, which especially target women and youth, are a flagrant violation of human rights and a crime against humanity. The international community, human rights organizations, and global institutions must pressure Iran’s regime to halt these executions. Amnesty International’s 2024 report shows that Iran has the highest execution rate in the world, and this trend has intensified in the current year.
Inside Iran, solidarity among various groups with the families of victims and those facing execution can further pressure the regime. The truck drivers’ strike and protests by other sectors have shown that the people of Iran are no longer willing to endure this injustice. These movements—joined by workers, teachers, and women—have the potential to become a nationwide uprising that could bring down the foundations of the regime.
