Concern Expressed by Saeed Zibakalam's Lawyer Over His Worsening Cancer Condition in Prison

Following reports about Saeed Zibakalam, a university professor and government critic, being diagnosed with cancer, his lawyer states that Iranian judicial authorities have not yet released his client despite being aware of the progression of his illness. Mohammad Izadi, in a text published on the Fararu website, mentions that upon Zibakalam's transfer to prison, the Tehran Deputy Prosecutor and the head of the Culture and Media Court inquired with forensic medicine about his illness. According to this lawyer, after one leave of absence, his client was examined again, and it was reported that 'his cancer is in an advanced stage' and requires radiation therapy and rest, leading the case to be referred back to the judicial authority. Izadi states that Zibakalam's health condition was already 'critical' before going to prison, as he was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He added, 'We believe that the deterioration of his cancer, which had slowed down outside of prison, seems to have accelerated, and we fear it may get out of control.' Zibakalam's lawyer mentions that the head of the Culture and Media Court claimed he was unaware of the 'deterioration' of Zibakalam's illness before the execution of the prison sentence. However, he noted that no necessary order for Zibakalam's release has been issued yet. Previously, reports had emerged regarding this political activist and former University of Tehran professor being diagnosed with cancer while imprisoned. The CEO of the Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the judiciary, denied Zibakalam's cancer diagnosis in prison, stating he had this illness prior, but did not explain why he has not been released despite judicial authorities being aware of this issue. The Islamic Republic's judiciary announced on May 13 that Zibakalam was transferred to prison due to having 'three cases' with 'definitive and enforceable' sentences. Reports indicated that he was arrested and imprisoned simultaneously with the unveiling of his new book at the Tehran Book Fair.