Continued Pressure on 3 Political Prisoners; Denial of Medical Care, Family and Lawyer Visits, and Leave

Reports indicate pressure on three political prisoners held in Evin Prison, including denial of medical care, family and lawyer visits, and leave. Pakhshan Azizi, a civil activist sentenced to death on charges of 'baghi' (rebellion) and suffering from multiple physical ailments including chronic headaches and back pain, was transferred to a hospital outside the prison but returned after examinations. According to the news agency HRANA, a source close to Ms. Azizi's family reported that she was transferred to the hospital after 'long waits' and 'repeated requests for medical care,' but doctors stated she must be sent back for further treatment and monthly examinations. The Iran Human Rights Association announced on October 2 that Ms. Azizi's requests to see a doctor were met with opposition from the prison authorities. Reports indicate that Ms. Azizi's family has covered her medical expenses, yet Evin officials have prevented her transfer to the hospital. Ms. Azizi has been denied visits with her family for three months and has faced new charges of 'creating chaos in prison' since August. She was arrested on August 4, 2023, in Tehran and accused of 'baghi through membership in opposition groups' in the winter of the same year, leading to her death sentence in June 2024. This political prisoner from Mahabad holds a degree in social work from Allameh Tabatabai University and was first arrested in November 2009 during a student protest against political executions, being released on bail on March 18, 2010. Concurrently, HRANA reported that Varisha Moradi, a political prisoner and member of the Free Women's Society of Eastern Kurdistan, has been in limbo for 422 days without the possibility of meeting her family or lawyers, with subsequent hearings on her charges canceled due to 'excuses from officials.' Ms. Moradi's lawyers state she is deprived of visits and contact with them despite the sensitivity of her case. Since mid-May, Ms. Moradi has been denied visits and phone contact with her family and lawyer by order of Abolqasem Salavati, although the ban on contact with her immediate family members was recently lifted. Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network reported that Ali Bakhshayi, a Kurdish political prisoner from the city of Daregaz in Razavi Khorasan Province, has also been denied leave. This cultural activist was arrested by the IRGC intelligence agents on January 25, 2019, and reportedly tortured for 36 days to obtain forced confessions before being temporarily released. His court session was held in June 2019, where he was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of 'gathering and colluding to commit a crime against national security.' Since being sent to Evin Prison on December 31, 2022, Ali Bakhshayi has been denied leave. Narges Mohammadi's request to the General Assembly: help stop human rights violations in Iran. Increased pressure on Pakhshan Azizi in Evin; this death-sentenced prisoner is deprived of access to a doctor. French unions demand the release of imprisoned labor and civil activists in Iran. Reports of the death of Sara Deldar, a former political prisoner, due to infections from pellet wounds. Five female political prisoners refused to attend Evin Prosecutor's Office despite being summoned for 'clarification of charges.' The Syndicate of Workers of the Bus Company condemned the deprivation of female political prisoners in Evin from phone contact and visits. Government agents arrested 'three family members' in Boukan.