Saeed Gharibi, a political prisoner in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, set himself on fire on Saturday, November 16, 2024, to protest the prison’s dire conditions and the heavy sentences issued against him.
Sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 years of exile, Gharibi sustained severe burns to his back and hands. Despite his critical condition, prison authorities have denied him transfer to a hospital or access to necessary medical treatment.
According to HRANA, a source close to Gharibi’s family confirmed the incident and reported that prison officials refused even basic medical care despite the severity of his injuries.
Before the incident, Gharibi had been suffering from significant mental distress due to the harsh conditions in Adelabad Prison. He is held in a ward shared with individuals affiliated with ISIS, and his outdoor recreation time is limited to less than an hour per week, adding to his psychological and emotional strain.
Gharibi, approximately 30 years old, was arrested last year by security forces. Branch 1 of the Shiraz Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Sadati, convicted him on charges of “propaganda against the regime,” “insulting the Supreme Leader,” and “membership in opposition groups.” His sentence includes 15 years of imprisonment and 15 years of exile to Tabas, with the most severe punishment enforceable.
Despite attempts to appeal his conviction, Gharibi’s case has not yet been registered with the Supreme Court.
This incident highlights the ongoing mistreatment of political prisoners in Iran, with detainees frequently subjected to inadequate medical care, harsh detention conditions, and psychological pressure.
