No to Execution Campaign: 88 Weeks of Protests Against Death Penalty in Iran

The No to Execution campaign marks 88 weeks of protests across Iran, demanding an end to the death penalty.

Iran Human Rights Society, Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, now in its 88th week, unites citizens across Iran in a powerful stand against the death penalty. This movement, driven by families of political prisoners, transforms streets into platforms for justice.

No to Execution Tuesdays: A Growing Movement

On September 22, 2025, the “No to Execution” campaign reached its 88th week, showcasing unwavering resistance to the death penalty. Citizens in cities like Tehran, Karaj, Shiraz, Mashhad, and Ahvaz braved security threats to protest. Their persistence signals a shift from sporadic outrage to a sustained demand for change. This campaign, known as “No to Execution Tuesdays,” thrives on grassroots support, growing stronger each week.

Protesters chant slogans like “Abolish the death penalty” and “Free political prisoners.” These words echo a universal call for justice. The movement’s longevity proves that opposition to executions is now a cornerstone of Iran’s social activism.

Families Lead the Charge Against Executions

Families of political prisoners anchor the “No to Execution” campaign. Mothers, fathers, and children march, holding images of loved ones sentenced to death. Their chants, such as “No to unjust execution verdicts” and “Execution never, for anyone,” add emotional weight to the protests. These families turn personal grief into a collective cry for human rights, making the movement deeply relatable.

Their presence amplifies the campaign’s impact. For instance, calls to free individuals like Peyman Farahvash highlight specific injustices. By standing firm, these families inspire others to join, creating a ripple effect across Iran.

Protests Defy Security Crackdowns

Despite relentless security pressures, protests flourish in cities like Kermanshah, Sanandaj, and Rafsanjan. Demonstrators face threats but remain undeterred, turning streets into stages for dissent. Slogans like “We swear by the blood of our comrades, we stand until the end” reflect their resolve.

This widespread participation shows the campaign’s growing momentum. Moreover, it reveals a unified front against the death penalty, bridging diverse communities. The movement’s ability to persist under pressure underscores its significance as a force for change.

Human Rights Violations Fuel the Movement

The death penalty in Iran violates core human rights principles. For example, Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees the right to life. Yet, frequent executions disregard this fundamental right. Similarly, Article 14 ensures a fair trial, but many death sentences rely on closed-door proceedings and forced confessions.

Additionally, Article 7 of the ICCPR prohibits torture. However, confessions extracted under duress often lead to executions, breaching this standard. Families of those sentenced face psychological and economic hardship, further violating their rights. The “No to Execution” campaign directly challenges these injustices, demanding accountability and reform.

A Sustained Demand for Abolition

Now in its 88th week, the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign has evolved into a sustained social movement. Analysts note that its endurance under repression signals deep societal unrest. Furthermore, the campaign unites diverse groups, from urban activists to rural families, in a shared goal: abolishing the death penalty.

This persistence highlights a growing rejection of execution as a policy. Protesters’ chants, like “Our cry from Iran: Abolish the death penalty, a universal demand,” resonate globally. The movement’s strength lies in its ability to sustain momentum, even as authorities attempt to suppress it.

Why the No to Execution Campaign Matters

The “No to Execution” campaign transcends protest; it’s a call for humanity. By challenging death penalty practices, it addresses systemic human rights abuses. For instance, restrictions on peaceful protests violate freedom of expression, yet demonstrators persist. Their courage inspires hope for a future where justice prevails.

Moreover, the campaign sheds light on the plight of political prisoners. Families’ emotional appeals, combined with public protests, keep the issue visible. This visibility pressures authorities to reconsider execution policies. Ultimately, the movement seeks a society that values life over punishment.

Join the Fight Against the Death Penalty

The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign invites everyone to support its mission. By raising awareness, sharing stories, or joining protests, individuals can contribute to this historic movement. Together, we can amplify the call to abolish the death penalty and restore justice in Iran.

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