Concerns Over Siraj al-Din Mir Damadi's Condition in Evin Prison

Siraj al-Din Mir Damadi, a journalist and political activist suffering from severe physical ailments in Evin Prison, refused to be transferred to the hospital on Monday while wearing prison clothes and handcuffs. According to the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, Siraj al-Din Mir Damadi is not in good condition in Ward 8 of Evin Prison and is deprived of many basic facilities. Siraj al-Din Mir Damadi has been in prison for nearly a year and was sentenced to six years in prison last August on charges of propaganda against the regime and conspiracy to undermine national security. Sadra Mir Damadi, Siraj al-Din Mir Damadi's brother, spoke with Radio Farda about the reason for his refusal to go to the hospital: Sadra Mir Damadi stated that after the harassment and mistreatment by Evin Prison regarding his brother's condition, which included about four transfers to the hospital in prison clothes and handcuffs with insults and humiliation, he conditioned the authorities that he would not go to the hospital under such circumstances. Today, they attempted to transfer him again, but he refused, stating that the rights of political prisoners should be respected, and he will not accept humiliation. His physical problem is a shrapnel injury from the Iran-Iraq War located near his neck, between the shoulder and collarbone, which has caused him discomfort. Before his imprisonment, he had seen specialists in Mashhad and Tehran who indicated that if the shrapnel caused pain, serious examination and surgery would be necessary. Currently, he suffers from pain that sometimes prevents him from sleeping, and he is deprived of basic rights, including having a bed, while all other prisoners, both financial and non-financial offenders, have beds. This means that Siraj is on a waiting list for a bed, but due to overcrowding and repeated promises from the prosecutor's representative that they would provide a bed, he still has none and is enduring his pain. There is also a possibility that this shrapnel could become dangerous, which raises concerns that we have repeatedly communicated to the prosecutor's office. Regarding treatment for this physical issue, we have stated this many times, and even the prison's forensic doctor and surgeon confirmed it and ordered his transfer. They are sending him to a heart hospital, which has nothing to do with his condition, indicating a lack of will from the authorities in the prosecutor's office and Evin. We feel powerless and have expressed our objections and requests wherever possible. Where could he escape to? He came here on his own, participated in all court sessions and interrogations, and returned to the country with open eyes. I do not understand why they treat him with the same measures applied to dangerous criminals when he is a faithful war veteran with a distinguished background in the country.