Amnesty International Calls for Immediate Transfer of Arash Sadeghi to Specialized Cancer Center

Amnesty International issued a statement calling for the immediate transfer of Arash Sadeghi from Evin Prison to a specialized cancer center. On Thursday, July 14, Amnesty International announced that 'Arash Sadeghi, a human rights defender, is facing a diagnosis of a bone tumor that may be cancerous.' According to Amnesty's report, despite medical recommendations for the immediate transfer of this prisoner to 'Imam Khomeini Hospital' in Tehran, responsible officials have only agreed to treat him at 'Madani Hospital' in Karaj. Arash Sadeghi was arrested in September 2014 along with his wife, Golrokh Iraee, at their home. The Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 19 years in prison on charges of 'acting against national security.' Arash Sadeghi has described the accusations regarding his connections with these groups as 'fabrications by the judiciary and the IRGC intelligence.' This prisoner went on a hunger strike for dozens of days in protest against his wife's arrest. Amnesty International now expresses serious concern for Arash Sadeghi's condition, stating that he has a tumor in his elbow that may be cancerous. The organization reports that for the past 18 months, this prisoner has been experiencing chronic pain in his elbow and shoulder, and the Evin medical staff has only prescribed him 'anti-inflammatory medications.' Additionally, according to Amnesty International's statement, Arash Sadeghi learned from conversations with doctors that they suspect bone cancer. Amnesty International adds that on June 13, he was transferred outside the prison to see a doctor and briefly managed to view his medical file, which included the doctors' recommendation for his transfer to 'Imam Khomeini Hospital.' Amnesty International has expressed concern that 'Madani Hospital' in Karaj may lack the necessary equipment and expertise to diagnose and treat cancer and has called for his transfer to a specialized cancer center.