Concerns Rise Over the Condition of Saman Yasin; A Political Prisoner: The Situation of This Protesting Artist is 'Severely Critical'

Ahmadreza Haeri, a political prisoner held in Qazalhasar Prison, issued a statement on Wednesday, July 4, warning about the dire condition of Saman Yasin, a protesting rapper in this prison. In the statement sent to Voice of America, Ahmadreza Haeri stated: "Despite receiving a response from the forensic medicine regarding the request for Saman Yasin's release from prison, the supervising prosecutor has refused to provide an answer to him and his family, only stating that forensic medicine will announce its response after holding a session. Ahmadreza Haeri pointed out that Saman Yasin has been deprived of access to a defense attorney, writing: 'Four of Saman's chosen lawyers in the past 20 months have been prevented from announcing their representation by Abolghasem Salavati, the arbitrary judge, and have not been allowed to access and study the case.' This political prisoner noted that Saman Yasin's case is currently in the Supreme Court, and the reviewing branch still does not allow his chosen lawyer to study the case. He stated that Saman Yasin was not even allowed to learn about the forensic commission's response, writing: 'The obsession of the gentlemen in keeping Saman and his family uninformed is such that it seems a top-secret stamp has been placed under the forensic letter regarding Saman's health status.' Ahmadreza Haeri, referring to Saman Yasin's medical history and the pressures he has endured during detention, especially 'artificial execution,' called on all citizens to 'be the voice of justice' for this protesting rapper and 'not to allow another wound to settle on the thousands of wounds that remain in our hearts.' Saman Yasin was arrested in early October 2022 and initially sentenced to death on charges of 'moharebeh' (waging war against God), 'conspiracy to commit a crime,' and 'acting against national security,' which was later overturned by the Supreme Court. He has been deprived of access to a chosen lawyer for over 18 months of temporary detention, and his representation was previously under a court-appointed lawyer named Hossein Sartipi. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization criticized the performance of this court-appointed lawyer, accusing him of 'whitewashing the show trials of the Islamic Republic.' This Kurdish artist has been transferred to various prisons since his arrest and is currently held in the drug-related crimes section of Qazalhasar Prison in Karaj. The United States condemned the torture of Saman Yasin, calling it a violation of human rights and contrary to respect for human dignity. The lawyer for Saman Yasin stated that the necessary medical documents for his client's release have not been sent to the court. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization accused Saman Yasin's court-appointed lawyer of 'whitewashing the show trials of the Islamic Republic.' Saman Yasin was sentenced to five years of exile in Kerman; his imprisoned lawyer stated: 'I will protest.' Saman Yasin, the imprisoned rapper, was sent to the hospital months after his nose was broken.