Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi Banned from Visits Again

Shahla Jahambin, the wife of political prisoner Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi, who is incarcerated in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, reported that he has been banned from visits once again. According to Shahla Jahambin, Abbas Vahidiyan, a signatory of the '14 Signatures' statement calling for the resignation of Ali Khamenei and a transition away from the Islamic Republic, has been banned from visits due to 'reading a message to congratulate his daughter's birthday.' She did not provide details about the content of this message. On May 30, Shahla Jahambin mentioned in an Instagram note that there are additional restrictions imposed on this political prisoner, including the constant presence of prison security officials during her husband's phone calls: 'When Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi intended to read a message to congratulate his daughter’s birthday, he faced a warning from the monitoring operation, leading to an argument between them. Now he has been banned from visits.' According to Shahla Jahambin, the prison monitoring officer cut off Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi's speech for 'unfounded' reasons. Shahla Jahambin added that her husband has been banned from cabin visits for two weeks and from in-person visits for 84 days. This member of the families of political prisoners stated that Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi is being held in a cell in quarantine, separate from other prisoners. Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi was arrested on August 31, 2021, in the city of Rezvanshahr and has been repeatedly banned from contact and visits over the past few years. Amnesty International expressed concern about Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi's situation in March 2023, calling for his 'immediate and unconditional' release and the provision of necessary specialized medical care outside of prison. Shahla Jahambin previously reported on multiple illnesses affecting Abbas Vahidiyan Shahroudi, including gum infection, palpitations, and chest pain, criticizing the lack of medical attention he has received. This political activist, critical of the government, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison on charges such as 'forming a group with the intent to act against national security' and 'collaborating with opposition groups.' Amnesty International has called for the 'immediate' release of Abbas Vahidiyan and for him to receive medical care. Exclusive details on the 'beating' of Abbas Vahidiyan; attempts for the 'physical elimination' of political prisoners. Abbas Vahidiyan was deprived of contact after being 'severely beaten' by prison officials. Abbas Vahidiyan stated: 'The freedom of the homeland is a 'sacred' goal, and we will pay any cost.'