Amnesty International's Response to the Beating of Narges Mohammadi and Other Female Prisoners in Evin: Ensure Independent Observers' Access to Prisons

Amnesty International, in a statement referencing the beating of female political prisoners in Evin Prison due to their peaceful protests against executions in Iran, called for "unrestricted access" for independent observers to Iranian prisons. In this statement published on the social media platform "X", the organization detailed how Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was injured when Evin guards struck her heavily in the chest, leaving her "bloodied and bruised" in the chest and arm. Amnesty emphasized the urgent need for medical care for her and other injured prisoners. The organization added that Iranian authorities have so far refused to provide adequate care to female prisoners or transfer them to hospitals for treatment. They expressed concern that any delay in medical care could pose a significant risk to Narges Mohammadi's health, given her history of heart and lung diseases. The statement also noted that since May 2021, Iranian authorities have unjustly sentenced Narges Mohammadi to 12 years and 11 months in prison and 154 lashes based on fabricated charges related to her human rights activities, and have prevented her from communicating with her family since November 2022. Amnesty International called on Iranian authorities to "immediately and unconditionally" release Narges Mohammadi and others detained for peacefully exercising their human rights. The organization also demanded that immediate access to necessary medical care, including treatment outside the prison, be provided to Narges Mohammadi and other female prisoners in Evin. They called for an "independent, impartial, and thorough" investigation into the use of force against female prisoners in Evin and accountability for the responsible officials. Amnesty reiterated its call for "unrestricted" access to prisons and detention centers across Iran, including Evin, for "independent observers" and to ensure that no one faces retaliation for communicating with detainees. Female political prisoners in Evin's women's ward staged a sit-in on August 7 in protest against the execution of Reza Rasai, which was met with an attack by Evin guards. According to information obtained by the Persian section of Voice of America, Heydar Farzadi, the head of Evin Prison, ordered the attack on the women's political prisoners' ward and was present during the assault, verbally abusing them. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that Iranian officials have intensified the crackdown on women activists and human rights defenders following nationwide protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in custody in 2022, known as "Women, Life, Freedom," resorting to harsher methods and issuing heavy sentences to silence dissenters. Shirin Ebadi warned about the situation of Narges Mohammadi and other political prisoners: the government has drawn its sword. Reports indicate that 17 women prisoners were injured in the attack by Evin guards, and Narges Mohammadi's family is concerned about her health status. 37 female political prisoners have been denied family visits due to protests against the execution of Pashkan Aziz. Messages from Evin highlight the oppression and corruption in the homeland, which will not endure.