Over 1,500 death row inmates at a prison in the Tehran area have been on a hunger strike, according to a report on Tuesday citing Iranian human rights groups, with some of the prisoners going as far as sewing their mouths shut.

According to the Guardian, the hunger strike began two weeks ago, after six inmates at the Ghezel Hesar prison were transferred to solitary confinement ahead of their presumed execution.

Video filmed from inside the facility shows dozens of prisoners holding up placards reading “No to Executions.”

Other graphic videos showed some inmates with their lips sewn shut, with others chanting: “Be our voice.” The report said prison guards have not responded to their strike and have refused medical treatment for some inmates.

“These are prisoners who committed errors simply to afford the basic necessities of life, and they deeply regret their actions. Where else in the world is a human life taken for a first mistake?” the prisoners said in a statement seen by AFP.

The death row inmates are slated to be executed for charges linked to this year’s wave of anti-government protests, as well as various drug offenses, the report said.

The prisoners went on hunger strike in the second unit of Qezel Hesar prison in Karaj, in protest against the execution of death sentences and the transfer of the number of those sentenced to death to solitary confinement on the 15th day.#Iran #IranProtest #StopExecutionsInIran pic.twitter.com/FQeVbgDJy7 — ????????????????........

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