Saeid Masouri Faces Exile to Zahedan Prison: A Regime’s Attempt to Crush the “Tuesdays Against Execution” Campaign

Saeid Masouri, Iran’s longest-serving political prisoner, faces exile to Zahedan Prison to suppress the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign. Act now to stop this injustice.

Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, July 19, 2025- Saeid Masouri, one of Iran’s longest-serving political prisoners, faces exile to Zahedan Prison. This move targets his leadership in the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign, a powerful protest against Iran’s widespread executions. Authorities at Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj announced this decision on July 19, 2025, despite no exile in Masouri’s court verdict. This action reveals the regime’s intent to suppress dissent and break resistance. The international community must act to stop this human rights violation.

Why Target Saeid Masouri?

Saeid Masouri has endured 25 years of imprisonment without a single day of leave. He has faced torture, medical neglect, and security pressures in prisons like Ahvaz, Evin, Gohardasht, and Qezel Hesar. Yet, his resilience remains unbroken. The regime targets him for his key role in the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign, launched in February 2024. Now in its 77th week, this movement spans 48 prisons, with inmates staging hunger strikes and sit-ins to protest executions. Masouri’s exile to Zahedan Prison, notorious for harsh conditions, aims to isolate him and disrupt this growing campaign.

The Power of the “Tuesdays Against Execution” Campaign

The “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign has become a national symbol of resistance. Political prisoners across Iran unite weekly to demand an end to executions and inhumane treatment. They write protest letters, hold sit-ins, and go on hunger strikes. Outside prisons, families, activists, and supporters amplify these efforts through social media and independent media. Masouri, a key organizer, inspires this movement. The regime fears its growing influence, as it exposes their brutal tactics. Exiling Masouri to Zahedan seeks to cut his communication with other prisoners and weaken the campaign’s momentum.

Zahedan Prison: A Deliberate Tool of Repression

Zahedan Prison’s remote location and harsh conditions make it a strategic choice for oppression. Its distance from central cities prevents family visits, a critical support for prisoners like Masouri, whose elderly mother relies on these moments. This exile violates the right to family contact under Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Moreover, the prison’s limited access to media isolates inmates, silencing their voices. Transferring Masouri here is psychological torture, designed to crush his spirit and deter others.

Escalating Crackdown on Political Prisoners

The regime’s repression extends beyond Masouri. Recent months have seen increased pressure on political prisoners, including medical deprivation, prolonged solitary confinement, and new fabricated charges. These tactics aim to silence dissent. For instance, authorities have denied medical care to many prisoners, exacerbating their suffering. Solitary confinement isolates them further, while threats of new charges create constant fear. Exiling Masouri sends a chilling message: resistance will face severe consequences. However, such actions often backfire, fueling greater public and international support.

International Outcry and Concerns

News of Masouri’s potential exile has sparked global concern. Human rights organizations and international bodies have condemned Iran’s systematic violations of prisoners’ rights. They view this exile as part of a broader strategy to suppress the “Tuesdays Against Execution” campaign. What began as a small protest has grown into a national and international movement against executions. Families of victims, grieving mothers, and even ordinary prisoners have joined the cause. The regime’s fear of this movement’s expansion drives their efforts to isolate leaders like Masouri.

The Regime’s Goal: Breaking Resistance

Exiling Masouri to Zahedan reflects the regime’s reliance on brutal suppression. By transferring him to a remote prison with limited communication, they aim to sever his influence. However, history shows that such measures often strengthen resolve. Political prisoners like Masouri have inspired widespread support, both within Iran and globally. Their resilience highlights the regime’s failure to extinguish dissent. Instead, these actions draw greater attention to the campaign and the plight of political prisoners.