The hunger strike of prisoners in Unit 2 of Karaj’s Ghezel Hesar Prison, initiated in protest against the wave of executions, has entered its fifth day. Received reports indicate a deterioration in the physical condition of several prisoners, and the hunger strikers have called upon the public and human rights organizations to be their voice.
Iran Human Rights Society, Friday, July 17, 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 wave of executions, entered its fifth day on Friday, July 17. Reports received from inside the prison indicate a deterioration in the physical status of a number of the hunger strikers; nevertheless, the prisoners have declared that they will continue this protest until their demands are addressed.
Fifth Day of Hunger Strike in Ghezel Hesar Prison
The hunger strike of prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison has entered its fifth day, having commenced in reaction to the transfer of six death-row prisoners to solitary confinement cells for execution, and gradually
expanding into a widespread protest against the continued implementation of death sentences, particularly in drug-related cases.
In recent days, the prisoners have published videos from inside the ward and chanted the slogan “No to Execution,” demanding a halt to the implementation of death sentences and a revision of penal policies related to capital punishment.
Information Box
| Title | Information |
| Location | Ghezel Hesar Prison, Karaj – Unit 2 |
| Current Status | Fifth day of hunger strike |
| Strike Commencement Date | July 13, 2026 |
| Report Date | July 17, 2026 |
| Cause of Protest | Wave of execution implementations and transfer of death-row inmates to solitary confinement |
| Physical Condition | Drop in blood pressure, severe weakness, dizziness, and lethargy among several prisoners |
| Demand of Prisoners | Halt to the implementation of death sentences and a revision of the capital punishment policy |
| Restrictions | Difficulties in communicating with the inside of the prison due to the installation of jamming devices |
Deterioration of the Physical Condition of the Hunger Strikers
Reports received from inside the prison show that the physical condition of a number of the striking prisoners has reached a concerning stage.
According to these reports, several prisoners have suffered a severe drop in blood pressure, general weakness, dizziness, lethargy, and a decline in physical strength as a result of the five-day hunger strike. Despite these conditions, the strikers continue to emphasize the continuation of their protest and have declared that they will refuse to end the hunger strike until their demands are addressed.
Simultaneously, the families of some of the prisoners have expressed deep anxiety regarding the continuation of the hunger strike and the potential for irreversible physical complications.
Request of the Prisoners to the Public and Human Rights Organizations
Based on messages sent from inside the prison, the striking prisoners have called upon the public, civil activists, media, and human rights organizations not to remain silent about their situation and to convey the voice of their protest to public opinion and international assemblies.
They have emphasized that their protest took shape in reaction to the increase in the implementation of death sentences and the transfer of death-row prisoners to solitary confinement cells, aiming to draw public attention to the consequences of expanding the death penalty.
Communication Restrictions with the Inside of Ghezel Hesar Prison
Obtaining information from inside Ghezel Hesar Prison in recent days has been accompanied by serious difficulties. According to received reports, following the installation and reinforcement of jamming devices in this prison, communication with sources inside the wards has become severely restricted, and the transmission of news is carried out slowly and with difficulty.
Despite these restrictions, the information in this report has been gathered based on messages received from prisoners, informed sources, and reports obtained from inside the prison, and has been cross-referenced with various sources to the greatest extent possible.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
Before legally reviewing this case, it must be noted that many criminal and security laws cited under the ruling dictatorship, especially in political and security cases, have been repeatedly criticized and condemned by international human rights organizations and institutions for violating fair trial principles, the right to liberty, the prohibition of torture, the right to a fair trial, and other fundamental rights of citizens. Nevertheless, even based on these domestic laws, security agents, judicial authorities, and prison officials are obligated to observe legal formalities, preserve the human dignity of prisoners, ensure their health, and respect the rights stipulated in domestic laws and regulations.
Legal Ambiguities of the Case
The hunger strike of the prisoners in protest against the execution of death sentences and concerns over their physical condition raise questions about prison management, medical attention to the hunger strikers, and the respect for prisoners’ rights. Furthermore, the restriction on prisoners’ communication with the outside world has made independent reporting on their situation difficult.
Related Legal Articles
- Article 22 of the Constitution: Emphasizes the inviolability of the life, dignity, property, and rights of individuals.
- Article 39 of the Constitution: Forbids any violation of honor and dignity toward imprisoned individuals.
- Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization: Obligates prison officials to preserve the physical and mental health of prisoners and to provide necessary medical services.
- Internal regulations of the Prisons Organization also emphasize the necessity of medical care for prisoners in critical physical conditions.
Violations of Law
Considering the published reports, the following instances can constitute violations of domestic laws:
- Neglecting the physical condition of the striking prisoners.
- Delay in providing appropriate medical services to prisoners exhibiting danger signs.
- Restricting the communication of prisoners with the outside world in critical situations.
- Creating obstacles for reporting on the situation of the prisoners.
Human Rights Violations in Ghezel Hesar Prison
Concerns Over the Health of the Hunger Strikers
The continuation of the hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Ghezel Hesar Prison and reports regarding the deterioration of the physical condition of some of them raise fresh concerns about the respect for prisoners’ rights and the responsibility of the authorities in preserving the health of individuals deprived of their liberty.
According to the Nelson Mandela Rules, prison officials are duty-bound to preserve the health of prisoners and, in the event of critical conditions, to guarantee their access to appropriate medical services.
Furthermore, Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights emphasizes humane treatment and respect for the dignity of all persons deprived of their liberty.
Given the published reports, neglecting the physical condition of the hunger strikers or creating restrictions on their access to medical services and communication with the outside world can conflict with international standards for the protection of prisoners’ rights.
See also the below articles:
- Masoud Jamei: Political Prisoner Faces Torture and Solitary Confinement
- Adel-Abad Prison: Critical Situation and Increased Pressure in Shiraz
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