Tag: Afshin Baymani

Life-Threatening Neglect: The Dire Conditions of Political and Sick Prisoners in Iranian Prisons

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Abdolamir Zargani, Afif Naeimi, Afshin Baymani, Alireza Mardasi, Anwar Chalshi, Azar Karvandi (Korvandi) Mousa Zadeh, Farzaneh Ghareh-Hassanlou, Gholamhossein Kalbi, Hamzeh Sowari, Hassan Saeedi, Hooran Nik Bakht, Hossein Koushki Nejad, HRANA, Jaber Sokhravi, Jamal Ameli, Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Marzieh Farsi, Matlab Ahmadian, Meysam Dehban-Zadeh, Mohammad Davari, Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, Morteza Parvin, Narges Mohammadi, Nejat Anwar Hamidi, Pariwash Moslemi, Political Prisoners, Rahele Rahimi Pour, Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, Reza Salman Zadeh, Reza Shahabi, Rezvaneh Ahmadkhan Beigi, Rouhollah Kavousi, Sajad Iman-Nejad, Saman Yasin, Sara Jahani, Sarvenaz Ahmadi, Taher Naqavi, Wissam Mazraeh, Zeinab Jalalian

HRANA News Agency –Political prisoners in Iran are facing dangerous and deteriorating conditions, including the denial of adequate medical care. This systemic neglect of prisoners’ basic rights, particularly those who are ill, constitutes a blatant violation of human rights and Iran’s domestic laws. The critical situation of these prisoners has once again raised international concerns about human rights violations in Iranian prisons.

Iranian prisons have long been recognized as centers of widespread human rights abuses, especially against political prisoners. These prisoners, often detained for their political and ideological beliefs, are frequently deprived of their basic rights, including access to medical care. This report examines the dire situation of political prisoners in Iran, particularly those who are ill, and analyzes the legal aspects of prisoners’ rights within the framework of Iranian law and the international commitments of the Islamic Republic.

Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has used prisons as tools to suppress dissent. One of the most significant events in modern Iranian history is the mass executions of the summer of 1988, widely described as crimes against humanity. Thousands of political prisoners were executed without fair trials. In 2013, the Canadian Parliament condemned these executions and designated September 1 as a day of solidarity with Iran’s political prisoners, symbolizing international support for those imprisoned for their beliefs and political activities.

Amidst the mass executions of the 1980s, the focus on prisoners’ conditions and rights received less attention. While thousands of prisoners were executed, nearly all of them were deprived of their human rights as prisoners until their execution, including the prohibition of torture, the right to medical care, and respect for human dignity.

Current Situation of Political Prisoners

Iranian prisons remain sites of systematic human rights violations, particularly against political prisoners. Recent reports indicate that many political prisoners face serious health issues and are denied access to adequate medical care. This deprivation is often used as a tool for further pressure and suppression.

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran explicitly supports the rights of prisoners. Article 38 states that “all forms of torture for extracting confessions or information are forbidden. Coercing someone to testify, confess, or swear an oath is not permitted, and such testimony, confession, or oath shall have no validity or credibility. Violators of this article shall be punished according to the law.”

Furthermore, Article 39 states, “Insulting the dignity of a person who has been arrested, detained, imprisoned, or exiled in accordance with the law, in any form, is prohibited and shall be punishable.” These principles indicate that not only is torture forbidden, but any inhumane treatment of prisoners is also prohibited.

Additionally, the “Executive Regulations of the Organization of Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures of the Country,” with its updated version published in May 2021, sets out detailed regulations regarding prisoners’ health and medical rights. Articles 117 to 160 specifically address the healthcare and medical rights of prisoners. For instance, Article 118 emphasizes the involvement of the sick prisoner’s family in the treatment process. Article 149 refers to the “constant monitoring of prisoners concerning disease,” a right that has clearly been violated in many cases.

However, evidence shows that judicial authorities and prison officials in Iran frequently refuse to implement these laws and regulations. Many sick political prisoners have been deprived of the right to access medical care, and their health conditions are dire. This systematic neglect of prisoners’ health is a clear violation of the Constitution and related executive regulations. Among the latest instances of suspicious prisoner deaths is the ambiguous death of Mohammad Mirmousavi, whose death was announced after being detained in a Lahijan police detention center.

A long list of political prisoners deprived of sufficient medical care includes:

Motaleb Ahmadian, Pariwash Moslemi, Rahele Rahemi-Pour, Gholamhossein Kalbi, Reza Shahabi, Sajad Iman-Nejad, Reza (Gholamreza) Aghdasi, Jamal Ameli, Azar Korvandi Mousa-Zadeh, Marzieh Farsi, Hossein Kooshki-Nejad, Mohammad Rezvani Kashani, Taher Naghavi, Hoora Nikbakht, Sarvenaz Ahmadi, Hassan Saeedi, Meysam Dehban-Zadeh, Hamzeh Savari, Ruhollah Kavousi, Wissam Mazraeh, Alireza Mardasi, Jaber Sakhravi, Abdolemam Zayeri, Morteza Parvin, Anwar Chaleshi, Mohammad Davari, Maryam Jalal Hosseini, Afif Naeimi, Zeinab Jalalian, Afshin Baymani, Reza Salman-Zadeh, Nejat Anwar Hamidi, Narges Mohammadi, Rezvaneh Ahmadkhan-Beigi, Saman Yasin, Farzaneh Ghareh-Hassanlou, and Manouchehr Bakhtiari, Abolhassan Montazer, Vahid Bani-Amerian, and Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb.

Iran’s International Commitments

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member of the United Nations and, as a signatory to various international covenants, is committed to upholding human rights. Among these covenants is the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” which Iran joined in 1966. According to Article 7 of this covenant, “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.”

Furthermore, the “United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners” sets out principles to protect prisoners’ rights, emphasizing the need for appropriate medical care and considering deprivation of such rights as a form of torture.

By joining these covenants and adopting these rules, the Islamic Republic of Iran has committed to respecting prisoners’ rights. However, evidence shows these commitments have been widely violated. Political prisoners in Iran are not only deprived of their basic rights but are also subjected to treatment that clearly contradicts Iran’s international obligations.

Denial of Medical Care: A Form of Torture and Human Rights Violation

The denial of appropriate medical care for political prisoners in Iran can be considered a form of torture and a violation of human rights. These deprivations are not only systematically and deliberately imposed but are also used with political motives to intimidate and suppress opponents. In many cases, prison authorities refuse to provide treatment to prisoners and even prevent their transfer to specialized hospitals when their physical conditions are severe.

These actions constitute blatant violations of international covenants and Iran’s domestic laws. For example, in the case of Afshin Baymani, who suffers from coronary artery disease, the lack of proper treatment and denial of transfer to a hospital can be seen as a violation of his right to life and health.

International Reactions and the Role of the Global Community

International human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly expressed concern over the situation of political prisoners in Iran. These organizations have stressed that as a UN member, Iran is obligated to abide by international human rights laws and must adhere to its commitments.

Human Rights Activists have repeatedly called on governments worldwide and international organizations to pressure the Islamic Republic to provide appropriate medical conditions for prisoners. The organization has also urged the international community to take a firm stance against human rights violations in Iran and to take necessary actions to protect prisoners’ rights.

In this context, there have been calls from international organizations, including the European Union, the International Red Cross, and the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, for immediate intervention and the release of political prisoners. These organizations have demanded urgent medical care for sick prisoners and assurance of their access to basic rights.

Suggestions for the International Community

To address this dire situation, the international community must act in a coordinated and decisive manner against human rights violations in Iran. Actions that can be taken include:

  • Governments worldwide should exert more pressure on the Islamic Republic of Iran through international forums and human rights organizations to comply with its international obligations.
  • Imposing targeted sanctions on Iranian judicial and security officials involved in human rights violations and the torture of prisoners can serve as a tool to pressure the Iranian government.
  • The United Nations and other international bodies should establish monitoring mechanisms to oversee the situation of prisoners in Iran and publish periodic reports on their status.
  • Media outlets and human rights organizations should work to raise public awareness of the situation of political prisoners in Iran, thereby increasing pressure on Iranian authorities.

The situation of political prisoners in Iran reflects widespread human rights violations by the Islamic Republic. Denial of appropriate treatment, use of torture, and failure to respect prisoners’ basic rights indicate a deep human rights crisis in the country. The international community must act decisively and in coordination to defend these prisoners’ rights and hold Iranian authorities accountable for these crimes.

 

Political Prisoner Afshin Baymani Transferred from Ghezel Hesar Prison to Hospital

Posted on by . .
News
Afshin Baymani, Ghezel Hesar prison, Karaj, moharebeh, Tehran Revolutionary Court

Afshin Baymani, a political prisoner held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, was transferred to a hospital outside the prison yesterday, August 28, following a deterioration in his health and symptoms of a heart attack.

This political prisoner, serving a life sentence and suffering from coronary artery disease, has long been deprived of adequate medical services and access to specialized treatment centers due to obstruction by prison authorities. Ultimately, last evening, he was transferred to a hospital outside the prison after showing symptoms of a heart attack.

On July 28, 2024, Mr. Baymani fainted and fell in prison due to a severe drop in blood pressure. He suffered a head injury and bleeding after hitting a wall. After examining him, the prison nurse emphasized the necessity of transferring him to a hospital for an angiography procedure. Mr. Baymani requested medical leave to receive treatment under the care of his specialist doctor, but his request was denied by prison authorities as before.
Previously, on January 29, 2024, Baymani was transferred to Rajai Shahr Hospital in Karaj due to poor physical condition but was returned to prison the next day without receiving specialized medical care. At the hospital, only a few tests, including an echocardiogram and a stress test, were conducted, and heart and blood pressure medications were prescribed. He had previously been granted medical leave for open-heart surgery, but was arrested in Isfahan and returned to prison.

Also in November 2023, this political prisoner was granted medical leave from Ghezel Hesar Prison for treatment and medical care after posting bail. However, on December 21 of the same year, he was re-arrested for unknown reasons and transferred to Asadabad Prison in Isfahan. He was eventually transferred back to Ghezel Hesar Prison in January of 2024.

Baymani, father of two children, was arrested in September 2000 and was sentenced to death by the Tehran Revolutionary Court on charges of “enmity against God (moharebeh).” This sentence was later reduced to life imprisonment after six years. Since then, he has been serving his sentence in various prisons.

Afshin Baymani has been suffering from coronary artery disease since July 2017. In July 2021, he underwent heart angioplasty surgery at Amirabad Hospital in Tehran.

The denial of adequate medical treatment for political prisoners in Iran constitutes a form of torture and a grave violation of human rights. This systematic and deliberate deprivation is often employed as a tool for political repression, aiming to intimidate and silence dissent. In numerous instances, prison authorities not only withhold essential medical care but also obstruct the transfer of critically ill prisoners to specialized hospitals, further endangering their lives.

Thirteen Political Prisoners from Qezel Hesar Prison Moved to Undisclosed Location

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Afshin Baymani, Ahmadreza Haeri, Hamza Savari Laftah, Jafar Ebrahimi, Kamyar Fakour, Lughman Aminpour, Masoud-Reza Ebrahimi Nejad, Motaleb Ahmadian, Political Prisoners, Qezel Hesar, Reza Salmanzadeh, Saeed Masouri, Saman Seydi, Sepehr Imam Jomeh, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb

Thirteen political prisoners held at Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj were relocated to an undisclosed facility yesterday, September 20.

According to a source with ties to one of the prisoners’ families, relatives are in the dark about their current whereabouts.

On September 3, these prisoners were transferred from Evin Prison to Qezel Hesar. The next day, they embarked on a hunger strike to protest their move to this prison and heavily fortified and ill-equipped Unit 3.

During the transfer, some of these detainees were compelled to leave behind essential items, including medications. Their families and advocates express growing concerns about their welfare.

The prisoners include:

Saeed Masouri: Arrested on January 8, 2001, on charges related to alleged membership in The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) in Dezful County. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002.

Afshin Baymani: Arrested on September 5, 2000. He was sentenced to death by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “enmity against God through collaboration with the MEK.” Later, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

Hamza Savari Laftah: Arrested on September 2, 2005, at the age of 16. The Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz sentenced him to death on charges of “spreading corruption on Earth, enmity against God, and acting against national security.” Ultimately, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

Motaleb Ahmadian: Arrested on October 5, 2010, and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “enmity against God through membership in a political opposition party.”

Saman Seydi (Yasin): Arrested on October 2, 2022, during nationwide protests in Tehran. Initially sentenced to death for “enmity against God, and assembly and collusion against national security” by the Public and Revolutionary Court in Tehran. However, his sentence was later overturned by the Supreme Court, and his case was referred back to the lower court for further review.

Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb: Arrested in March 2023 and incarcerated in Evin Prison. The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years and eight months in prison, with five years enforceable, along with additional penalties.

Ahmadreza Haeri: Arrested by security forces on June 27, 2022, and subsequently released. He was later sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Recently, due to a new case filed against him during his imprisonment, he received an additional three months and one day in prison by the Criminal Court in Tehran.

Kamyar Fakour: Arrested on November 6, 2022, during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight months in prison, in addition to reactivating his prior eight-month suspended jail term.

Reza Salmanzadeh: Arrested by security forces at his residence on May 12, 2022. He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Jafar Ebrahimi: A dedicated teacher union activist, arrested on April 30, 2022, and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. In late October 2022, the Tehran Revolutionary Court issued a four-year sentence on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional one-year term for “propaganda against the regime.” Moreover, Ebrahimi received a two-year ban on leaving the country and from participating in political and civil organizations. His sentence, which included four years of enforceable imprisonment, was upheld upon appeal.

Lughman Aminpour, Sepehr Imam Jomeh, and Masoud-Reza Ebrahimi Nejad were previously sentenced to imprisonment for political charges.

Report on the Current Status of Thirteen Political Prisoners Detained in Qezel Hesar Prison

Posted on by . .
News, Prisoners
Afshin Baymani, Ahmadreza Haeri, Hamza Savari Laftah, Jafar Ebrahimi, Kamyar Fakour, Lughman Aminpour, Masoud-Reza Ebrahimi Nejad, Motaleb Ahmadian, Qezel Hesar Prison, Reza Salmanzadeh, Saeed Masouri, Saman Seydi, Sepehr Imam Jomeh, Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb

Thirteen political prisoners have embarked on a hunger strike to protest their transfer from Evin Prison to Qezel Hesar on September 3, as well as the dire conditions they now endure in their new confinement.

A source familiar with the situation, closely connected to one of these detainees’ families, informed HRANA, “This group of prisoners initiated their hunger strike on Monday, September 4, in protest of their relocation to a heavily secured and inadequately equipped Unit 3.”

Another relative of these detainees added, “They are confined to a cramped 12-square-meter cell within the Quarantine Ward, typically reserved for inmates on death row prior to execution. They lack basic necessities such as blankets, access to hot water, and the ability to make phone calls.”

As per this source, Unit 3 is currently overcrowded, housing around 1700 inmates, far exceeding its maximum capacity of 1000 inmates. The inmates’ access to fresh air is constrained by a small prison yard covered by a roof with fencing. During their transfer, some of these prisoners were forced to leave behind essential belongings, including their medications.
Some of these prisoners forcibly leave behind some of their belongings during the transfer including medicines.

The prisoners include:

  • Saeed Masouri: Arrested on January 8, 2001, on charges related to alleged membership in The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran (MEK) in Dezful County. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to life imprisonment in 2002.
  • Afshin Baymani: Arrested on September 5, 2000. He was sentenced to death by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “enmity against God through collaboration with the MEK.” Later, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
  • Hamza Savari Laftah: Arrested on September 2, 2005, at the age of 16. The Revolutionary Court in Ahvaz sentenced him to death on charges of “spreading corruption on Earth, enmity against God, and acting against national security.” Ultimately, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.
  • Motaleb Ahmadian: Arrested on October 5, 2010, and subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court for “enmity against God through membership in a political opposition party.”
  • Saman Seydi (Yasin): Arrested on October 2, 2022, during nationwide protests in Tehran. Initially sentenced to death for “enmity against God, and assembly and collusion against national security” by the Public and Revolutionary Court in Tehran. However, his sentence was later overturned by the Supreme Court, and his case was referred back to the lower court for further review.
  • Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb: Arrested in March 2023 and incarcerated in Evin Prison. The Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to five years and eight months in prison, with five years enforceable, along with additional penalties.
  • Ahmadreza Haeri: Arrested by security forces on June 27, 2022, and subsequently released. He was later sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Recently, due to a new case filed against him during his imprisonment, he received an additional three months and one day in prison by the Criminal Court in Tehran.
  • Kamyar Fakour: Arrested on November 6, 2022, during nationwide protests. Subsequently, the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight months in prison, in addition to reactivating his prior eight-month suspended jail term.
  • Reza Salmanzadeh: Arrested by security forces at his residence on May 12, 2022. He was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.
  • Jafar Ebrahimi: A dedicated teacher union activist, arrested on April 30, 2022, and incarcerated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison. In late October 2022, the Tehran Revolutionary Court issued a four-year sentence on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and an additional one-year term for “propaganda against the regime.” Moreover, Ebrahimi received a two-year ban on leaving the country and from participating in political and civil organizations. His sentence, which included four years of enforceable imprisonment, was upheld upon appeal.
  • Lughman Aminpour, Sepehr Imam Jomeh, and Masoud-Reza Ebrahimi Nejad were previously sentenced to imprisonment for political charges.

Update on Political Prisoners’ Health Conditions in Rajai Shahr Prison

Posted on by A MN
News, Prisoners
Afshin Baymani, Alborz, Alborz province, Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoosh, Arjang Davoudi, Farzin Rezaei Roshan, Karaj, Mehdi Meskin Navaz, Motalleb Ahmadian, Rajai Shahr Prison, Rajai-Shahr, Saeed Eghbali

Below are the available updates on the health conditions of political prisoners held in Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj.

Rajai Shahr Prison, previously known as Gohardasht Prison, is located in Karaj City in Alborz Province. According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Rajai Shahr Prison has been used by security forces for years as an exile prison for political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, despite having been built specifically to house inmates convicted of violent crimes.

The rights of each prisoner to receive adequate medical treatment has been asserted explicitly by both Iran’s domestic law and international law and other human rights documents. Additionally, various articles of Iran’s Executive regulations of the Prisons Organization have specified inmates’ diseases and treatments.

Nonetheless, Rajai Shahr prison officials frequently violate these political prisoners’ right to adequate medical treatment, hence putting their lives in danger. Often, when inmates are dispatched to medical centers they are met with obstruction from prison officials and security agents.

The following provides the latest health condition of 15 political prisoners held in Salon 10, Ward 4 of Rajai Shahr prisons.

  • 1. Motalleb Ahmadian suffers from infection in the testicles (orchitis) and bladder as well as spinal cord injuries. He has not yet received any required medical condition for his degenerative diseases. Both the general practitioner and infectious disease specialist of the prison have stressed that Mr. Ahmadian should undergo surgery and receive treatments from a urologist.
    For his spinal cord injury, he has to do MRI test every six months, and in order to prevent the progression of the disease, he has to be under regular examination by a neurologist.
    In 2019, the specialist prescribed spinal injections, which he could not receive due to the obstruction of the head of the prison as well as the prison healthcare officer. In 2020, finally, he was permitted to obtain the medicine from outside of prison. For the next injection, which was supposed to be done by September of this year, he has not yet been able to obtain the medicine.

    Motalleb Ahmadian was arrested on October 5, 2010, on a charge of “membership in one of opposition political groups”. He has sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court.

  • 2. Afshin Baymani has kidney stones and diabetes. After spending many years in prison, Baymani has contracted coronary artery disease. In March 2020, because of his critical health condition, he had to be hospitalized in a specialized cardiovascular hospital where they had his medical documents. Instead, the prison officials decided to instead dispatch him to a general hospital. Recently, even after seven electrocardiography tests, the physician of the prison healthcare has not yet requested the dispatch of Mr Baymani to the hospital.

    Afshin Baymani was arrested on September 5, 2000, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through collaboration with The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced him to death which later was reduced to life imprisonment. Afshin Baymani is now serving the twenty-second year of his sentence.

  • 3. Hamzeh Savari suffers from a baker’s cyst behind the right knee and a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee, which had made walking painful for him. He urgently needs to undergo surgery to treat the cyst. He also suffers from lumbar disc injuries, arthritis and spine problems. Savari has varicocele, causing severe pain in the testicles. He underwent previously surgery, but again with the recurrence of the disease, he needs another surgery.

    Hamzeh Savari was arrested on September 2, 2005, on the charge of  “enmity against God (Moharebeh) and acting against national security”. The Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz sentenced him to capital punishment, which later was reduced to life imprisonment. He was 16 years old at the time of arrest and currently he is serving the seventeenth year of his prison sentence.

  • 4. Hassan Sadeghi suffers from Glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) and intra ocular pressure, as well as joint pain which is particularly acute in the knees. His right eye vision has been worsened due to the damage in long-untreated optic nerves. Despite these poor health conditions, the assistant prosecutor of the prison Amin Vaziri has hindered him from dispatching to the hospital.
    Sadeghi can hardly walk due to the fractures of the bones in the sole of both feet caused by the tortures he endured in the ’80s (he endured his first prison sentence from 1981 to 1987).

    Hassan Sadeghi was arrested on January 28, 2013, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran “. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment and the confiscation of his property (an apartment and a store). He is 58 years old and serving the ninth year of his sentence.

  • 5. Abolghasem Fouladvand suffers from coronary artery disease. The assistant prosecutor of the prison Amin Vaziri has refused to allow him to be sent to the hospital for medical treatment.

    Abolghasem Fouladvand was arrested in 2013 on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. He is 59 years old and currently serving the eighth year of his sentence.

  • 6. Hooshang Rezaie suffers from diabetes.

    Hooshang Rezaie was arrested in 2010 on a charge of “membership in Komola (Kurdistan’s Organization of the Communist Party of Iran), spying, murder and adultery”. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to death which was later reduced to 15 years imprisonment. Hooshang Rezaie was transferred to the quarantine section of Rajai Shahr after testing positive for Covid-19.

  • 7. Iraj Hatami suffers from heart problems, unstable blood pressure, blood fats and cholesterol issues.

    Iraj Hatami was arrested on October 18, 2010, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on the charge of spying for the U.S.A. He had been working in Iran’s Ministry of Defense, from 1991 to 2004. Since two years and three months of his detention period in the military Detention Center has not been subtracted from his sentence term, he is still in prison. To protest, in June of this year, he went on a hunger strike.

  • 8. Ali Eshagh has unstable blood pressure, intestinal colitis (inflammation of the colon), meniscus tear in both knees. Four years ago, he underwent a heart attack. He refused to dispatch to the hospital due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Ali Eshagh was arrested on November 21, 2019, and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on a charge of “membership in Fedaian Organisation (Minority)”. He was born in 1950. He had also been spending in prison from 1983 to 1989 for the same charge.

  • 9. Farhad Fahandezh suffers from digestive and heart diseases.

    Farhad Fahandezh was arrested on August 16, 2012, on charges of “Propagation of the Baha’i Faith and directing Baha’i organizations.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to ten years imprisonment. He was born in 1959. Currently, he is serving the ninth year of his sentence. Earlier, he was arrested in 1983 and spent 6 years in prison.

  • 10. Saeed Eghbali permanently lost 70 percent of his hearing due to the serious damages in the middle of his eardrum from injuries sustained from beatings during his detention period, which, without adequate treatment, quickly grew infected. According to his doctor, to prevent the spread of the infection, surgery will be required.


    Saeed Eghbali was arrested on February 1, 2018, on a charge of “assembly and collusion in purpose to act against national security and propaganda against the regime”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years in prison, which was upheld on appeal. Currently, he is serving the second year of his prison sentence.

  • 11. Soheil Arabi suffers from blunt trauma and hydrocele caused by beatings sustained during his time in the IRGC’s detention center. Moreover, his feet have been swollen due to several fractures on his feet.

    Soheil Arabi was arrested on November 7, 2013, on charges of ” blasphemy”, “propaganda against the regime”, “offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran”. In his first case, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment. For the second case, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment, two years exile in Borazjan and paying a fine for 4 million tomans, on a charge of “spreading lies in the purpose to disturbing public opinions and the propaganda against the regime” and one year and eight months on the charge of ” destruction of state property”. In addition, for another new case, he has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, paying a fine, being banned from leaving the country and once every three times mandatory appearance at the Supervision and Follow-up office of Judiciary by Branch 26 of Tehran’s revolutionary court.

  • 12. Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoosh suffers from an infectious disease of the stomach and intestines, requiring surgery.

    Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoosh was arrested on January 10, 2019, on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime and act against national security, offensive statements against current and former supreme leader of Iran and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight years imprisonment. According to article 134 of Iran’s penal code, 5 years as the severest punishment is enforceable for the above-mentioned charges. He is serving the first year of his sentence. A while ago, he was granted furlough for medical treatment.

  • 13. Farzin Rezaei Roshan suffers from bipolar disorder and depression as well as Fibromyalgia (a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues).

    Farzin Rezaei Roshan was arrested in June 2017, on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to four years imprisonment. He is serving the second year of his sentence.

  • 14. Arjang Davoudi can only walk with the aid of a walker. It is because of diseases, senility and harsh condition of prison as well as serious damages of lumbar vertebrae after being pushed and fallen from stairs by one of the prison officials. He requires surgery on his knees. Moreover, he suffers from other diseases such as cataracts, diabetes and heart problems.

    Arjang Davoudi was arrested on November 9, 2002, on charges of “forming illegal political groups and membership in one of opposition political parties, offensive statements against the supreme leader of and high-ranking regime officials.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to fifteen years and eight months imprisonment which later was reduced to ten years and eight months on appeal. In 2012, on the new charge of “advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”, he was sentenced to death. The verdict was revoked in the supreme court of Iran and instead changed to five years imprisonment in an exile prison in Zabol. Moreover, he had been spending a while in Bandar-Abbas Prison.

  • 15. Mehdi Meskin Navaz requires surgery due to the rupture of the cruciate ligament of the knee. In addition, he needs physiotherapy treatment because of issues in the knee, neck, and lumbar vertebrae.

    Mehdi Meskin Navaz was arrested on May 5, 2019, on charges of “assembly and collusion, acting against national security, offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 13 years imprisonment and two years of compulsory residency in Ghahraj city in Kerman Province and prohibition from membership in political parties and groups. Currently, he is serving the third year of his sentence. As of this writing, Meskin Navaz has been transferred to the quarantine section after testing positive for Covid-19.

Continue reading “Update on Political Prisoners’ Health Conditions in Rajai Shahr Prison”

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Now is definitely not the time to stop reading!

Update on Political Prisoners’ Living Conditions in Rajai Shahr Prison

Posted on by A MN
News, Prisoners
Abolghasem Fouladvand, Afshin Baymani, Alborz, Alborz province, Gohardasht, Gohardasht Prison, Hamzeh Savari, Hassan Sadeghi, HooshangRezaie, Karaj, Mehdi Meskin Navaz, Mohammad Ali (Piruz) mansouri, Motalleb Ahmadian, Political Prisoners, Rajai Shahr Prison, Rajai-Shahr, Reza Mohammad Hosseini, Saeed Eghbali, Saeed Masouri, Soheil Arabi, Ward 10

This report sheds light on the situation of 27 political prisoners in Rajai Shahr Prison. Some of these prisoners are suffering from poor health conditions due to lengthy imprisonment or being beaten in detention.

Rajai Shahr Prison, previously known as Gohardasht Prison, is located in Karaj City in Alborz Province. Although the prison is built for housing the inmates convicted of violent crimes, for years it has been used by security forces as an exile prison for political and prisoners of conscience.

According to HRANA, the news agency of Human Rights Activists, Rajai Shahr Prison, like many other prisons of the country, has long failed to provide inmates with adequate medical treatment.

Rajai Shahr Prison is composed of 10 wards with three salons for each ward. There are two types of salons in each ward.

Salon type 1: In the ’80s, the cells of this salon were used as solitary confinement. This salon contains 30-35 small size cells in each of which two or three inmates are housed.

Salon type 2: These Salons are composed of 15 large rooms in each of which 5 to 7 inmates are held. In each salon, there are three toilets, three bathrooms and a room to be used as a shared kitchen.

The Canteen (prison commissary) of the prison is run by the companies affiliated with the Prisons and Security and Corrective Measures Organization. The store sells products that are marked up 10 to 20 percent. Last year, prices decreased somewhat due to complaints from inmates, but after a while, the store increased the prices again. Products not available in the Canteen are available only on written request, which must be approved by the head of the prison.

Despite being classified as a jailhouse for housing the inmates convicted of violent crimes, Rajai Shahr Prison has additionally been used for a high number of political prisoners. Considering the long history of violence against political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, the monitoring of this infamous prison by human rights activists is of great importance.

It is worth mentioning that along with political prisoners held in Salon No. 10, there is a salon allocated to Sunni-faith prisoners, who mostly are imprisoned for national-security-related charges. HRANA is working on a report about their latest situation as well.

Currently, 24 political prisoners are housed in Salon No. 10 in Rajaie Shahr Prison. The latest updated list of these prisoners goes as follows:

1. Saeed Masouri, arrested on January 8, 2001, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through membership in The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. In 2003, the Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced him to the death penalty, which later was reduced to life imprisonment. Dr. Saeed Masouri was born in 1965. He is serving the twenty-first year of his sentence.

2. Afshin Baymani, arrested on September 5, 2000, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through collaboration with The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court in Tehran sentenced him to death which later was reduced to life imprisonment. Afshin Baymani is now serving the twenty-second year of his sentence.

3. Motalleb Ahmadian, arrested on October 5, 2010, on a charge of “membership in one of opposition political groups”. He has sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Revolutionary Court.

4. Hamzeh Savari was arrested on September 2, 2005, on the charge of ” enmity against God (Moharebeh) and acting against national security”. The Revolutionary Court of Ahvaz sentenced him to capital punishment, which later was reduced to life imprisonment. He was 16 years old at the time of arrest and currently he is serving the seventeenth year of his prison sentence.

5. Mohammad Ali (Piruz) Mansouri, arrested in September 2007, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment. Following his heart attack, on September 9, 2021, he was granted furlough for the first time after fourteen years.

6. Hassan Sadeghi, arrested on January 28, 2013, on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran “. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment and the confiscation of his property (an apartment and a store). He is 58 years old and serving the ninth year of his sentence. Also, he had been spending in prison from 1981 to 1987.

7. Abolghasem Fouladvand, arrested in 2031 on a charge of “enmity against God (Moharebeh) through advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment. He is 59 years old and currently serving the eighth year of his sentence.

8. Soheil Arabi, arrested on November 7, 2013, on charges of ” blasphemy”, “propaganda against the regime”, “offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran”. In his first case, he was sentenced to five years imprisonment. For the second case, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment, two years exile in Borazjan and paying a fine for 4 million tomans, on the charge of “spreading lies in the purpose to disturbing public opinions and the propaganda against the regime” and one year and eight months on the charge of ” destruction of state property”. In addition, for another new case, he has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, paying a fine, being banned from leaving the country and once every three times mandatory appearance at the Supervision and Follow-up office of Judiciary by Branch 26 of Tehran’s revolutionary court.

9. Saeed Eghbali, arrested on February 1, 2018, on a charge of “assembly and collusion in purpose to act against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years in prison, which was upheld on appeal. Currently, he is serving the second year of his prison sentence.

10. Behnam Moosivand, arrested on February 1, 2018, on a charge of “assembly and collusion in purpose to act against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years in prison. The court of appeal upheld the sentence. Currently, he is serving the second year of his prison sentence.

11. Reza Mohammad-Hosseini, arrested in May 2019, on charges of ” assembly and collusion, offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran, illegal border crossing, illegally entering the county, disobeying the orders of the agents.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 16 years and 6 months imprisonment, which was upheld on appeal. While he was serving his term in prison, in a new case he was sentenced to flogging with 50 lashes on the charge of “offensive statements against the on-duty-government officer”. He is serving the third year of his sentence.

12. Mehdi Meskin Navaz, arrested on May 5, 2019, on charges of “assembly and collusion, acting against national security, offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 13 years imprisonment and two years of compulsory residency in Ghahraj city in Kerman Province and prohibition from membership in political parties and groups. Currently, he is serving the third year of his sentence. As of this writing, Meskin Navaz has been transferred to the quarantine section after testing positive for Covid-19.

13. HooshangRezaie, arrested in 2010 on a charge of “membership in Komola (Kurdistan’s Organization of the Communist Party of Iran), spying, murder and adultery.” The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to death which was later reduced to 15 years imprisonment. Hooshang Rezaie was transferred to the quarantine section after testing positive for Covid-19.

14. Ahad Barzegar, arrested in 2019 on charges of “advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to six years imprisonment. According to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, the severest enforceable punishment for this charge is only five years. He is serving the second year of his sentence. He has also been imprisoned in the ’80s for political-related charges.

15. Ali Eshagh, arrested on November 21, 2019, and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on a charge of “membership in Fedaian Organisation (Minority)”. He was born in 1950. He had also been spending in prison from 1983 to 1989 for the same charge.

16. Arash Nasri, arrested on December 19, 2019, on charges of “membership in Komola (Kurdistan’s Organization of the Communist Party of Iran) and Khabat (The Organization of the Iranian Kurdistan Struggle), illegal border crossing, illegally entering the country, holding illegal firearms”. Currently, he is waiting for his trial. These accusations are based on the publication of two photos on her personal Instagram account with the clothes of the mentioned groups.

17. Iraj Hatami, arrested on October 18, 2010, and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on the charge of spying for the U.S.A. He had been working in Iran’s Ministry of Defense, from 1991 to 2004. Since two years and three months of his detention period in the military Detention Center has not been subtracted from his sentence term, he is still in prison. To protest, in June of this year, he went on a hunger strike.

18. Arsham (Mahmood) Rezaei, arrested on January 7, 2019, on charges of “propaganda against the regime, assembly and collusion to act against national security, offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight years and six months imprisonment, which was upheld by the appellate court. According to article 134 of Iran’s penal code, five years as the severest punishment is enforceable for the above-mentioned charges. He is serving the first year of his sentence. Recently, he has been transferred to the quarantine section of Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj after testing positive for COVID-19.

19. Nasrollah Lashni, arrested in 2014 on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years imprisonment and two years prohibition from political activities. This verdict was upheld by the appellate court. In October 2020, as punishment for not returning to prison after a furlough, he was sentenced to flogging of 40 lashes, which was reduced to 30. In addition, he has two open cases with the charges of “illegal border crossing” and “membership in one of opposition political parties”.

20. Ali Musa-Nejad Farkoosh, arrested on January 10, 2019, on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime and act against national security, offensive statements against current and former supreme leader of Iran and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to eight years imprisonment. According to article 134 of Iran’s penal code, 5 years as the severest punishment is enforceable for the above-mentioned charges. He is serving the first year of his sentence. A while ago, he was granted furlough for medical treatment.

21. Farzin Rezaei Roshan, arrested in June 2017, on charges of “assembly and collusion to act against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to four years imprisonment. He is serving the second year of his sentence.

22. Abdul Rasoul Mortazavi, arrested in August 2019, on charges of “forming illegal political groups, propaganda against the regime and offensive statements against the supreme leader of Iran”. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 26 years imprisonment from which 11 years as severest punishment are enforceable.

23. Pouria Vahidian, arrested on November 21, 2020, on charges of “collaboration with The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran.” He is still waiting for issuing verdict by the court. Earlier in July 2018, he has been also sentenced to three years and six months imprisonment on the charges of “collaboration with The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran through writing political slogans on walls.” Back then, he was released after serving one year of his term.

24. Amir Doorbin Ghaziani, arrested on December 13, 2013, arrested on November 21, 2020, on a charge of spying for the U.S.A. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to ten years imprisonment. He is serving the eighth year of his sentence.

Currently, there are three political prisoners being housed in other wards.

1. Farhad Fahandezh, arrested on August 16, 2012, on charges of “Propagation of the Baha’i Faith and directing Baha’i organizations.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to ten years imprisonment. He was born in 1959. Currently, he is serving the ninth year of his sentence. Earlier, he was arrested in 1983 and spent 6 years in prison.

2. Farhad Meysami, arrested on July 31, 2018, on charges of “assembly and collusion to commit a crime against national security and propaganda against the regime.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to six years imprisonment and two years prohibitions from membership in political groups and parties, engagement in media and leaving the country. By enforcing Article 134 of the Islamic penal code, five years of this sentence is enforceable. He is serving the fourth year of his sentence.

3. Arjang Davoudi, arrested on November 9, 2002, on charges of “forming illegal political groups and membership in one of opposition political parties, offensive statements against the supreme leader of and high-ranking regime officials.” The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to fifteen years and eight months imprisonment which later was reduced to ten years and eight months on appeal. In 2012, on the new charge of “advocacy for The People’s Mujahedin Organization of Iran”, he was sentenced to death. The verdict was revoked in the supreme court of Iran and instead changed to five years imprisonment in an exile prison in Zabol. Also, he had been spending a while in Bandar-Abbas Prison.

It is worth mentioning two other political prisoners who have been recently released from Rajai Shahr prison. Peyman Arefi was arrested in May 2009 on the charges of ” insult against Prophet of Islam and advocacy for Kingdom Assembly of Iran “. The Revolutionary Court of Tehran sentenced him to 15 years imprisonment in exile. A few months ago, he was released on probation with an electronic tag on his ankle. In September of this year, Asghar Padashi was released from the Rajai Shahr prison after serving three years of his ten years prison term. He was sentenced to ten years imprisonment and paying a fine of 34000 dollars on the charges of “spying for Mossad.”

From the above-listed political prisoners, 15 inmates suffer from serious diseases or injuries.

As domestic law, as well as international law and other human rights documents, affirms, each prisoner has the right to receive adequate medical treatment. Various articles of Iran’s Executive regulations of the Prisons Organization have specified inmates’ disease and treatment. Nonetheless, Rajai Shahr prison officials violate the rights of these political prisoners for adequate medical treatment and endanger political prisoners’ lives.

 

 

Afshin Baymani; Serving Since 17 Years Ago

Posted on by admin-hr
Prisoners
Afshin Baymani

HRANA News Agency – Afshin Baymani, a prisoner in Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj, has been imprisoned since about 17 years ago. He was sentenced to death in 2000 on charge of Moharebeh which was confirmed in the appeal court but was reduced to life imprisonment after six years.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), Afshin Baymani, a political prisoner at Hall 10 of Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj, has been in jail for more than 17 years. Continue reading “Afshin Baymani; Serving Since 17 Years Ago”

Afshin Baymani Deprived of Medical Furlough Despite Critical Condition

Posted on by admin-hr
Prisoners
Afshin Baymani

HRANA News Agency – Afshin Baymani, political prisoner, is being deprived of medical furlough despite going through all administrative procedures including depositing the issued bail. Afshin Baymani, who has been imprisoned from 16 years ago, has been deprived of leave so far, although he needs medical treatment for his heart problems, including heart blood vessels obstruction that requires advanced medical care, he needs medical leave and treatment now more than ever.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), a source close to this political prisoner told HRANA’s reporter: “Due to the heart problems that Afshin is suffering from, he should not be transferred in handcuffs to the hospital. Generally, he should be away from stress, but the prison warden and other officials act in contrary to this issue.” Continue reading “Afshin Baymani Deprived of Medical Furlough Despite Critical Condition”

Eye Witnesses Explain Sunni Prisoners’ Mass-Execution in Rajai Shahr Prison

Posted on by admin-hr
Executions, Prisoners, Religious Minorities
Afshin Baymani, Mohammad Ali Mansouri, Saleh Kohandel, Sunni prisoners

HRANA News Agency – On Monday, August 1, 2016, 36 death row Sunni prisoners were transferred to solitary confinements while being handcuffed, shackled and blindfolded under tight security measures by unprecedented onslaught of black guards of Rajai Shahr prison. One day later at least 20 of them were executed. Over time, further details of the events of “Black Monday” are being reported from eye witnesses from Rajai Shahr prison.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency in Iran (HRANA), based on additional information obtained from multiple firsthand sources, at 5:30 PM on Monday, August 1, one hundred Special Forces stopped all breaks, at the same time all vacations of prison staff were completely canceled and the prison became at their disposal on the orders of Special Forces Intelligence (or IRGC Intelligence). All the prison staff were summoned to prison. Heads of the wards who finish their job by 3:00 PM on usual days, returned to work on the order of the warden. Continue reading “Eye Witnesses Explain Sunni Prisoners’ Mass-Execution in Rajai Shahr Prison”

3 Political Prisoners Returned from Solitary Confinements

Posted on by admin-hr
Prisoners
Afshin Baymani, Pirooz Mansouri, Saleh Kohandel

HRANA News Agency – Saleh Kohandel, Pirooz Mansouri and Afshin Baymani are three political prisoners who had been violently transferred to solitary confinements of the IRGC, came back to the ward after 5 days. The wave of executions in Rajai Shahr had rosen serious concerns about the fate of these prisoners.
According to the report of Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Saleh Kohandel, Pirooz Mansouri and Afshin Baymani returned to the general ward from IRGC’s solitary confinements. Continue reading “3 Political Prisoners Returned from Solitary Confinements”