Gina Romero, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, has joined the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign in solidarity with prisoners in Iran.
Through a 24-hour hunger strike, Romero is drawing international attention to the use of capital punishment against protesters, political activists and individuals exercising their fundamental freedoms.
Romero first announced her decision on October 11 through a series of posts on X. On October 12, she confirmed that she had begun her hunger strike as Tuesday, October 13, started in Iran.
It is 3:30 PM on Monday, October 12th in Colombia, which means it’s midnight in Iran and Tuesday, October 13th has just begun. I have just finished my last meal, as my 24-hour hunger strike starts now.
— Gina Romero (@Ginitastar) October 12, 2026
I join #NoToExecutionTuesdays in solidarity with the brave people of Iran. pic.twitter.com/ZEbMqIvzRi
Raising Alarm Over Political Executions
In her statements, Romero expressed deep concern about the use of the death penalty as an instrument of political repression.
She warned that individuals exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and political participation have faced severe punishment, including death sentences.
According to figures cited by Romero, at least 46 people connected to political protests have been executed since March 2026. She described the situation as the highest concentration of political executions in Iran in nearly four decades.
The UN expert also highlighted allegations of arbitrary detention, serious violations of due process and widespread human rights abuses involving detained protesters.
Solidarity With Prisoners Facing Execution
Romero expressed support for the families of young protesters who, according to her statements, were executed following their involvement in demonstrations.
She also drew attention to several prisoners currently facing death sentences, warning that peaceful political activity must not be treated as a capital offence.
Romero called on the Iranian authorities to halt executions, overturn death sentences imposed following unfair trials and allow independent monitoring of prisoners at risk.
She further emphasized her opposition to the death penalty, particularly when it is used to punish individuals for exercising internationally recognized human rights.
A Prison-Led Movement Gains International Support
The “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign began in 2024 as an initiative by political prisoners protesting capital punishment in Iran.
Since then, participating prisoners have organized weekly hunger strikes to draw attention to executions, the right to life and the treatment of political detainees.
By early October 2026, the campaign reported participation from prisoners in 66 prisons across the country.
Romero’s participation represents a significant expression of international solidarity with the prisoners and brings renewed attention to demands for an end to executions in Iran.
Her action also reinforces calls for international scrutiny of the treatment of detained protesters and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Original post on X: https://x.com/Ginitastar/status/2109399063267520710
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