War and Execution: Two Sides of the Same Coin
We, 23 independent Iranian women’s organizations, express our deep concern over the worsening conditions of political prisoners, the new wave of arrests and executions, and the use of national security charges to suppress social movements.
Following the Israeli military attack on Iran and the outbreak of war—alongside a ceasefire that, given the history of both the Israeli government and the Islamic Republic of Iran, is fragile and temporary—the result has not been increased security but rather intensified repression.
Criminals who fire from beyond the borders and criminals who kill from within have divided violence among themselves.
Israel’s bombing of Evin Prison has accelerated the plan to “relocate political prisoners”—particularly the transfer of women prisoners to Qarchak Prison in Varamin, a notorious facility that prisoners themselves call “the end of the world.” It is a place unfit for any human being, under any accusation. The forced relocation of political prisoners to unknown locations is also deeply alarming.
In the 1980s, war did not bring silence—it culminated in widespread torture and executions. The same logic, the same rhetoric, and the same instruments of suppression have now been reactivated.
Immediately after the ceasefire was declared, the Iranian Parliament, invoking the “wartime conditions”—which have always been considered a “blessing” for the Islamic Republic—passed a bill to intensify penalties for espionage. This bill has once again turned accusations such as “traitor,” “sellout,” and “Israeli spy” into official tools of repression.
In the 12 days of war, three Kurdish border couriers (kolbars) and dozens of other prisoners were executed on charges of spying for Israel. Around 800 individuals have been arrested on similar charges. Forced confessions were extracted from three Afghan migrants, who have also become primary victims of the regime. The mass expulsion of Afghan migrants from Iran is part of this same repressive policy.
In parallel with the increased repression, deepening economic crisis and environmental destruction have made life increasingly unsustainable for the majority of the population.
Street checkpoints, mass arrests, execution orders, and the transfer of political prisoners—all backed by institutionalized violence—indicate escalating control, the elimination of dissent, and a push to expedite executions of those already sentenced to death. They seek to resurrect the “God of the 1980s.” We recognize this pattern.
Everyone who resists and speaks out is now at risk.
Women, in particular, are subject to compounded violence—from Qarchak Prison to bodies crushed under the weight of forced hijab, poverty, and political repression.
According to human rights organizations, by May 2025 alone, at least 478 people have been executed in Iran.
It is no coincidence that political prisoners involved in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign have warned:
“Given the wartime conditions, prisoners’ lives are in serious danger. We call on the honorable people to demand the release of political prisoners by all possible means. Especially by gathering in front of prisons—do not leave the prisoners alone.”
We speak with one voice:
- No to war, no to occupation and genocide, no to repression
- Firm condemnation of military attacks by Israel, the U.S., and their allies
- Immediate release of all political prisoners
- Abolition of all death sentences
- No to the repressive and warmongering regime of the Islamic Republic
- Resistance is life
- Woman, Life, Freedom
June 28, 2025
Together for Women’s Health Foundation
Free Iranian Women’s Association – Italy
Dallas Iranian Women’s Association
Iranian-German Women’s Association in Cologne, Germany
Iranian Women’s Association of Parto
Iranian Women’s Association Montreal
MeToo Movement Iran
Iranian Circle of Women for International Networking (ICWIN)
Women for Sustainable Freedom and Equality
Iranian Women Activists in Exile – Berlin
IKERO Women’s Rights Organization
IWIN Iranian Women in Network
The Organization for Emancipation of Women
Everyday Feminism
Forum of Iranian Women in Vienna
Collective of Woman, Life, Freedom – Rome
Campaign to Stop Honor Killings
Gender Equality Committee of Solidarity of Iranian Republicans
Left Unity of Women
Zanan Group in Northern California
Orange County Women’s Study Group
Mannav LGBTQ Community – Sweden
Iranian Women’s Assembly in Hanover