Successful End to Hunger Strike by 1,500 Death-Row Prisoners in Qezelhesar Following Pledge to Temporarily Halt Executions

Breathing in Confinement, Wednesday, 29 July 2026: A hunger strike by approximately 1,500 death-row prisoners in Unit 2 of Qezelhesar Prison, launched in protest against the resumption of executions and the transfer of six prisoners for the implementation of their death sentences, has ended after 16 days following concessions to the striking prisoners, including the return of the transferred prisoners to their ward and assurances from prison officials and judicial authorities.

The hunger strike began 17 days ago. The protesting prisoners demanded a halt to executions, a review of the cases of death-row prisoners, scrutiny of the process through which death sentences are issued, and amendments to laws concerning drug-related offences.

According to reports received, prison officials and some judicial authorities, during negotiations with the prisoners, pledged that the execution of prisoners sentenced to death for drug-related offences would be suspended while their demands and cases are reviewed.

The striking prisoners stated that their decision to end the hunger strike is conditional upon the authorities honouring their commitments, and that they will resume their protest actions if these promises are not fulfilled.

Previously, in October last year, following seven days of a collective hunger strike by prisoners in Unit 2 of Qezelhesar Prison, representatives of the Head of the Judiciary, the Head of the Prisons Organisation, and Qezelhesar Prison officials met with the prisoners and pledged that executions would be suspended for at least six months, that death-row prisoners would be given an opportunity to have their cases reviewed, and that amendments to laws concerning drug-related offences would be considered.

Following these assurances, the prisoners ended their hunger strike but emphasised that continuation of the agreement depended on the authorities fulfilling their commitments in practice. The protesting prisoners stated that the resumption of executions and the transfer of prisoners for implementation of their death sentences demonstrated a disregard for previous assurances and a breach of the commitments made during the earlier protests.