The hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison in protest against the wave of executions entered its seventh day today. Simultaneously, around 500 family members of death-row prisoners gathered in front of the prison, demanding the cancellation of death sentences; a gathering that, according to reports, ended with the intervention of officers and the dispersal of protesters.
Iran Human Rights Society, Sunday, July 19, 2026– The hunger strike of prisoners in Unit 2 of Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, which began on Monday, July 13, 2026, in protest against the increase in the execution of death sentences, entered its seventh day today, Sunday, July 19. According to reports received from inside the prison, despite the worsening physical condition of a number of the hunger strikers, they have declared that they will continue their hunger strike until their demands are addressed.
This strike continues amidst rising concerns regarding the prisoners’ health, the conduct of prison officials, and the potential escalation of security measures against the strikers.
Gathering of Families in Front of Ghezel Hesar Prison
Coinciding with the seventh day of the hunger strike, approximately 500 family members of death-row prisoners staged a protest gathering in front of Ghezel Hesar Prison in support of the striking prisoners.
According to published reports, the demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans, demanding an immediate halt to the execution of death sentences and the cancellation of sentences issued against prisoners, particularly those convicted in drug-related cases.
Reports indicate that this gathering faced intervention from security and law enforcement forces. Informed sources state that officers attempted to prevent the continuation of the protest through threats and physical altercations with some family members, ultimately dispersing the crowd.
The families of the prisoners emphasized that the purpose of the gathering was to draw public and official attention to existing concerns regarding the rise in executions and the condition of the hunger-striking prisoners.
“Prison and Execution Are Not the Right of Iran’s Youth”
The striking prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison have announced that they will continue their hunger strike until their main demand—namely, the halt to the execution of death sentences for prisoners accused of drug-related offenses—is realized.
In one of their protest actions, the prisoners installed a large placard in the prison yard bearing the inscription:
“Prison and execution are not the right of Iran’s youth.”
This slogan has become a symbol of the prisoners’ protest and has generated widespread resonance among families and human rights activists. The hunger strikers state that their goal is to protest the expanding implementation of capital punishment and to demand a revision of penal policies regarding drug offenses.
Deterioration of the Physical Condition of the Hunger Strikers
According to reports received from inside Ghezel Hesar Prison, the continuation of the hunger strike has caused physical health issues for a number of prisoners.
Informed sources report severe weakness, a drop in blood pressure, weight loss, dizziness, and a decline in physical strength among several strikers. Despite these conditions, the prisoners have declared that they will not halt the hunger strike until they receive a clear response to their demands.
Human rights activists have also warned about the continuation of this situation, calling for immediate access for the hunger strikers to independent medical services and monitoring of their health status. They emphasize that prison authorities are obligated to provide appropriate medical care for prisoners without exerting pressure or taking punitive measures.
Escalation of Security Measures in the Prison
Alongside the continuation of the hunger strike, reports have been published regarding heightened security measures in Ghezel Hesar Prison.
According to informed sources, prison guard forces have been deployed across various sections, and the security environment in Unit 2 has intensified compared to previous days. The prisoners have expressed anxiety over potential crackdowns on the strikers.
It has also been reported that instead of engaging in dialogue with the prisoners and addressing their demands, prison officials have increased signal jamming and caused disruptions in prisoners’ phone calls with their families—an action that has heightened the families’ anxiety regarding the situation of their loved ones.
Continued Protest Against the Wave of Executions
The hunger strike of prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison began on July 13 to protest the wave of executions and has now entered its seventh day.
The prisoners have stated that their primary demand is the halt to the execution of death sentences, particularly in drug-related cases, and a comprehensive review of these sentences. Simultaneously, their families have attempted to convey the prisoners’ voice of protest to public opinion and responsible institutions by holding a protest gathering.
At the time of writing this report, officials from the State Prisons Organization and judicial authorities have not released an official reaction regarding the hunger strike, the health status of the prisoners, or the gathering of the families.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
The laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been repeatedly criticized in recent years by human rights organizations for contradicting fair trial principles and international human rights standards. Nevertheless, even based on domestic laws, the Prisons Organization and responsible authorities are obligated to preserve the health of prisoners, observe their human dignity, and ensure access to appropriate medical services.
Article 22 of the Constitution emphasizes the protection of the dignity and rights of individuals, and Article 39 prohibits any violation of honor or degrading treatment toward arrested or imprisoned individuals. Furthermore, the Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization obligate prison officials to provide medical care, preserve the health of prisoners, and facilitate their legal communication with their families.
Potential Violations of Domestic Law
Considering the published reports, the following instances can constitute potential violations of domestic laws:
- Failure to provide immediate medical attention to the hunger-striking prisoners;
- Imposing restrictions on the legal communication of prisoners with their families;
- Violent treatment of prisoners’ families during their protest gathering;
- Neglect of the peaceful demands and protests of the prisoners;
- Exerting security pressure instead of addressing the prisoners’ demands.
Human Rights Violations Regarding the Hunger Strike in Ghezel Hesar Prison
The continuation of the hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison, reports regarding the deterioration of their physical condition, the crackdown on protesting families, and restrictions on prisoners’ communication with the outside world raise serious concerns regarding the respect for the fundamental rights of prisoners.
Related Human Rights Articles
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security of person;
- Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;
- Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly;
- Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The necessity of humane treatment and respect for the inherent dignity of persons deprived of their liberty;
- Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Protection of freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly;
- The Nelson Mandela Rules: The obligation to provide prisoners with access to medical services, maintain communication with family, and the prohibition of any inhuman treatment or punitive measures against prisoners.
See also the below articles:
- Evin Prison Health Crisis: Deteriorating Hygiene and Scabies Outbreak
- Ali Khani Square Isfahan Execution: Two Protesters Executed, Ten at Imminent Risk
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