Critical Health Condition of Reza Shahabi in Evin Prison

The campaign defending Reza Shahabi, a imprisoned member of the board of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company, declared his health condition as 'critical' and warned about his circumstances. In a statement on Sunday, February 27, it was noted that Mr. Shahabi is held in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, where he is subjected to 'pressure and additional harassment.' It added, 'Every day, several prisoners under interrogation with severe mental and physical conditions are cellmates with him.' Previously, the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company reported that Reza Shahabi was transferred from Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj to Evin Prison on January 7. The campaign stated that he is 'in a state of nervous pressure that constantly raises his blood pressure' and added, 'While doctors have warned that Shahabi needs to be urgently transferred to a hospital for surgery, he has only been shown to a general practitioner and prescribed pills.' Reports indicate that Reza Shahabi suffers from 'high blood pressure, back pain, neck pain, brain issues, and body numbness.' Earlier, the Syndicate had mentioned that Shahabi was under pressure during interrogations. This labor activist was arrested in June 2010 and sentenced to five years in prison and six years of inactivity in union activities on security charges. After some time, he used medical leave for treatment but reported back to Rajai Shahr Prison on August 9 due to pressure from the prosecutor's office. Reports indicate that judicial authorities have repeatedly pressured this labor activist to return to prison over the past year. After realizing he would have to stay in prison for about a thousand days because the prosecutor's office did not approve his medical leave, he went on a 50-day hunger strike. He ended his hunger strike following requests from his family, labor organizations in Iran and worldwide, and also 'a high-ranking security official' to address his demand for freedom. Nevertheless, according to labor organizations, not only was no action taken for his treatment, but his demand for freedom was also unmet. The campaign defending Reza Shahabi pointed out his illnesses and the conditions of this imprisoned labor activist, stating that this situation 'is nothing but a calculated plan for his gradual destruction.' The campaign also called for the immediate transfer of Reza Shahabi to the general ward of Evin Prison and immediate action for his hospitalization, urging 'all labor organizations in Iran and worldwide, as well as all individuals, media, and institutions that follow the issues of imprisoned workers and political prisoners' not to spare any effort in providing persistent and powerful support for Reza Shahabi. Previously, the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company announced that Mr. Shahabi, a imprisoned member of its board, 'is in critical physical condition' and demanded his immediate and unconditional release. This syndicate stated that 'the responsibility for any physical problems for Reza Shahabi lies with the prison authorities and judicial officials.' Judicial authorities have so far remained silent regarding Reza Shahabi's health condition. Previously, Mr. Shahabi had requested treatment for himself and then transfer to Evin Prison. Several labor organizations and international labor unions have supported Mr. Shahabi's demands.