News Center - Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj witnessed one of the most significant protest movements inside Iranian prisons, as several inmates declared a hunger strike to object to the growing number of executions. The move sparked concern and anger among the prison population.

On Sunday, October 19, the prisoners of Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj — who had gone on strike to protest the transfer of 16 fellow inmates to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions — announced that they have decided to suspend their strike temporarily to give the authorities an opportunity to fulfill their promises. They emphasized that if the promises are not kept, the strike will resume.

Reports indicated that six of the inmates who had been transferred earlier to quarantine and solitary confinement for the implementation of their death sentences were returned to their ward in Unit Two.

A few hours later, several senior judicial officials visited the prison and, during their meeting with the inmates, announced the suspension of executions related to drug-related crimes in this prison for at least six months, with the possibility of reviewing and discussing the sentences in parliament.

It is worth noting that the hunger strike in Unit Two of Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj began on October 13, after the prison administration transferred at least 16 death-row inmates convicted in drug-related cases to quarantine, in preparation for carrying out their sentences.