As executions surge in Iran, prisoners sew their lips shut and launch an extreme hunger strike

At least 1,500 prisoners at Iran’s Qezel Hesar prison launched a hunger strike to protest a surge in executions.

Some inmates also stitched their lips shut, accusing prison authorities of ignoring their demands.

Human rights groups say Iran has carried out 424 executions this year, many involving drug offenses and vulnerable people.

The government is also intensifying repression of protesters and political prisoners, drawing renewed calls from the UN for a moratorium and fair trials.