1500 Death-Row Prisoners in Irans Ghezel Hesar Prison Maintain Hunger Strike into Fourth Day
On October 16, 2025, a significant event unfolded in Iran’s Ghezel Hesar Prison. A mass hunger strike by 1,500 death-row prisoners marked its fourth consecutive day. These prisoners, housed in Unit 2, have taken this drastic step to protest the conditions surrounding their impending executions.
Prison Authorities’ Response
Karamollah Azizi, the head of Ghezel Hesar Prison, made an appearance among the striking prisoners. Azizi claimed that a temporary three-month suspension of their execution sentences had been secured. Despite this claim, many inmates expressed skepticism, noting that recent executIons had already claimed 17 lives, whose details have surfaced.
Inmates’ Conditions and Demands
The prisoners conditioned ending their hunger strike on the return of their fellow inmates. These individuals had been moved to solitary confinement, allegedly in preparation for execution. Azizi pledged to reintegrate these prisoners by October 18, a Saturday, to fulfill this demand.
The prisoners remain resolute, insisting on seeing their conditions met. They have expressed a willingness to continue the hunger strike until their demand for the return of their fellow inmates is addressed.
Family Involvement and Wider Implications
In solidarity, the families of these prisoners are planning a demonstration. This protest is set to occur outside Iran’s parliament on October 19. The aim is to draw attention to the plight of the prisoners and apply pressure on the authorities.
The Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) has been closely monitoring the situation. The continued hunger strike reflects the desperation and dire circumstances faced by the prisoners, as well as the contentious nature of Iran’s treatment of death-row inmates.
