Prisoners at Iran’s largest jail sew lips shut in hunger strike as executions soar

At least 1,500 protest after six men on drug-related charges put in solitary confinement before possible execution

Prisoners at Iran's largest jail have sewn their lips shut as hundreds of them joined a mass hunger strike amid a surge in executions over drug offences and charges linked to anti-government protests.

The hunger strike, involving at least 1,500 death row prisoners at Ghezel Hesar prison near Tehran, began two weeks ago after six men convicted on drug-related charges were transferred to solitary confinement before their possible execution, according to Iranian rights groups.