Iran inmates sew lips shut in mass hunger strike at notorious US-sanctioned jail: report

Over 1,000 death-row inmates at Iran's Ghezel Hesar Prison have entered their third week of a hunger strike protesting regime executions. Some prisoners have resorted to sewing their lips shut to draw attention to their demonstration, which began on July 13 after six inmates were moved to solitary confinement. The inmates, reportedly convicted of drug-related offenses, are calling for a halt to executions and urging international action. The prison, sanctioned by the U.S. for human rights violations, has seen no response from officials despite the prisoners' deteriorating conditions. This is the second major protest at the facility in recent months, following a similar hunger strike in October 2025 that ended with unfulfilled promises of halting executions.

Prisoners at Iran's Ghezel Hesar prison, numbering at least 1,500, have begun a mass hunger strike and sewn their lips shut. The protest, which started two weeks ago, was triggered by the transfer of six men convicted of drug offenses to solitary confinement prior to potential execution. This action is part of a broader campaign against a surge in executions, particularly for drug-related charges and those linked to anti-government protests. Iranian rights groups report a significant rise in executions this year, with many death sentences issued by revolutionary courts following unfair trials. Prisoners are calling for international attention to their plight, highlighting that many are marginalized individuals, some convicted on fabricated charges or confessions obtained under torture.