Javad Mohammadi-Fard Attempts Suicide in Urmia Prison

Javad Mohammadi-Fard, a political prisoner held in Urmia Prison, attempted suicide by hanging. He was transferred to a psychiatric facility and returned to prison hours later.

A source close to the political prisoner’s family told HRANA: “On Monday, September 23, Mr. Mohammadi-Fard attempted suicide by hanging due to severe stomach illness and the authorities’ refusal to grant him medical leave. Instead of being transferred to a hospital for proper medical treatment, he was sent to the Razi Psychiatric Hospital in Urmia and returned to prison just hours later.”

The source added, “Prison officials did not allow all family members to visit Mohammadi-Fard, and only his brother was granted access. His health condition remains poor.”

Despite suffering from stomach pain and bleeding, suspected by a doctor to be cancer, Mohammadi-Fard has been denied specialized treatment and medical leave.

Javad Mohammadi-Fard was arrested in July 2022 in Urmia and released on bail. In July 2023, he was sentenced by the Urmia Revolutionary Court on national security charges. His sentence was upheld in February 2024, and he was sentenced to four years in prison. He was transferred to Urmia Prison in April 2024 to serve his sentence.

Alireza Ghanbari and Javad Mohammadi-Fard Begin Prison Sentences on Political Charges

Alireza Ghanbari and Javad Mohammadi-Fard, both residents of Urmia, have been incarcerated in Urmia Prison to commence their sentences.

Confirming their imprisonment, a source close to their families informed HRANA that they were arrested on April 2 by security forces at their residences and subsequently transferred to Urmia Prison.

Their initial arrests occurred in June-July 2022 by security forces. Initially detained in the Ministry of Intelligence’s facility in Urmia, they were later moved to Urmia Prison after approximately six months.

In June-July 2023, the Urmia Revolutionary Court convicted them of political charges. Mohammadi-Fard was sentenced to four years for “heading a group for causing unrest and acting against national security,” along with 16 months for “insulting the Supreme Leaders of Iran and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Ghanbari received a four-year sentence for “joining anti-regime groups,” along with 16 months for “insulting the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran” and eight months for “propaganda against the regime,” including detention time. These verdicts were upheld on appeal.

Pursuant to Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, which stipulates that in cases of multiple charges, the harshest punishment shall be enforced, both individuals will serve four years in prison.

Mohammadi-Fard, aged 44, is single, while Ghanbar, aged 50, is the father of two.