5 Days Geneva Sit-in Sends a Hopeful Message to the World

Stop Executions in Iran – A Light of Hope for Prisoners

Last week, a powerful five-day sit-in took place in Geneva, right in front of the United Nations Office. This gathering, held in protest against the wave of executions in Iran, coincided with the global campaign “Tuesdays Against Execution,” and once again reminded the international community that the fight for life and justice in Iran is far from over.

The peaceful protest was led by human rights defenders, exiled Iranians, and concerned citizens, coming together to raise their voices for those who are being silenced behind bars. The sit-in drew attention to the urgent need to halt death sentences in Iran – especially those targeting political prisoners, women, ethnic minorities, and young people.

Photos of victims, placards, and hand-written messages turned the space into a visual memorial and a living testimony to resistance. More than a symbolic act, the sit-in became a real source of encouragement for those inside the prison walls.

Messages from Inside Iranian Prisons: “You Give Us Hope”

What made this action truly exceptional were the messages smuggled out of Iranian prisons during the week of the protest. Several inmates, some on death row, sent letters and voice messages to the organizers.

One prisoner wrote:

“When we see the pictures of your protest, when we read your words and feel your solidarity, we know we are not alone. You are our hope.”

Such messages are heartbreaking reminders that the world’s attention can make a real difference. These sit-ins are not mere symbolic gestures. They save lives. They are lifelines for those trapped in a brutal system that uses executions as a tool of fear and repression.

Women at the Center of Resistance

Among the faces featured during the protest were many women – political prisoners, mothers of those executed, and young female activists. The Iranian regime continues to use executions and harsh prison sentences to intimidate women who dare to speak out. But the voices of resistance are growing louder, and the sit-in in Geneva honored that courage.

One of the protest banners read:

“Stop the Executions in Iran.”

This slogan echoed across Geneva, reminding the world that the fight against executions is inseparable from the fight for women’s rights in Iran.

Why These Protests Matter

Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world, often carrying out death sentences after unfair trials or under torture-induced confessions. In recent months, human rights groups have raised alarms about a new wave of politically motivated death sentences.

International pressure works. In the past, public protests, campaigns, and petitions have succeeded in halting executions at the last moment. The presence of committed individuals in front of global institutions like the UN signals to the Iranian regime that the world is watching.

Every photo shared, every voice raised, and every minute spent in such a protest becomes a barrier between a prisoner and the execution chamber.

Join Us – Be a Voice for the Voiceless

Our organization proudly supported this five-day sit-in, and we are committed to continuing this struggle. But we cannot do it alone.