Exclusive; Evin Officials Oppose Treatment for Siamak Ebrahimi, Imprisoned Civil Activist

Reports indicate that officials at Evin Prison in Tehran have opposed the treatment of Siamak Ebrahimi, an imprisoned civil activist. According to a report received by Voice of America, the prison doctor stated that Mr. Ebrahimi requires 30 sessions of physiotherapy to treat severe pain in his neck, arms, and legs. Nevertheless, prison officials have shown indifference to this issue. Typically, officials in the Islamic Republic's prisons oppose medical treatment or medical leave for political and ideological prisoners. For instance, in recent weeks, reports have emerged regarding the opposition of Evin prison officials to the treatment or medical leave of Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, Hassan Saidi, Sharifeh Mohammadi, and Majid Khademi. Siamak Ebrahimi was sent to Evin Prison on February 7 of this year, along with Shahrukh Ahmadi, another civil activist, to serve their prison sentences. Mr. Ebrahimi was sentenced to 5 years and 8 months in prison on charges of 'gathering and colluding to commit a crime against national security' and 'propaganda activities against the regime,' of which five years are enforceable. Mr. Ahmadi was also sentenced to four years in prison on the charge of 'gathering and colluding to commit a crime against national security.' Both were arrested by the Islamic Republic's security forces and transferred to Evin Prison last February. Siamak Ebrahimi and Shahrukh Ahmadi were released from Evin Prison after three weeks on a bail of 700 million tomans. Their preliminary court was held on July 17 of this year in Branch 26 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran. On December 21, Mr. Ebrahimi and Mr. Ahmadi condemned the confirmed verdict in a joint Instagram post, stating: 'We are two individuals among the multitude who rose to establish justice and freedom in their country.' They also wrote that the 'historical struggle for human liberation' became a victim of the power-seeking of a group that considered itself the owner of the movement. Three civil and social activists were sent to prison in Tehran and Sanandaj. Siamak Ebrahimi and Shahrukh Ahmadi: We are going to prison to serve unjust sentences. French labor unions: Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, and Hassan Saidi must be released. Education International and the International Confederation of Trade Unions: The Iranian government must release labor activists. Warning from the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran Bus Company: The health conditions of our three imprisoned members are critical. The detention of Sharifeh Mohammadi has been extended despite this labor activist's urgent need for surgery.