Exclusive; Families' Concerns Over Conditions of Political Prisoners Transferred to Qazalhessar

A family member of 13 political prisoners transferred from Evin Prison spoke with Voice of America about the families' concerns regarding the situation of these prisoners, especially their safety in Qazalhessar Prison in Karaj. The transferred prisoners include Jafar Ebrahimi, Kamyar Fakour, Loqman Aminpour, Saeed Masouri, Afshin Baymani, Sepehr Imam Jom'e, Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb, Mohammad Shafaei, Saman Saidi (Yasin), Hamzeh Savari, Ahmadreza Haeri, Reza Salmanzadeh, and Masoudreza Ebrahimi Nejad. This family member stated that these prisoners not only lack access to sanitary facilities but also do not have personal safety. They are held in a small room in Block 3 of Qazalhessar Prison, known as the 'secure block,' which is adjacent to the area housing prisoners convicted of murder or death row inmates. The family member added, 'There is no protection for these 13 political prisoners, and they must constantly be on guard, especially at night, to protect themselves from potential danger.' According to reports, these prisoners were summoned on September 3 under the pretext of being sent to the medical facility of Evin Prison, but after leaving their block, they were handcuffed and shackled. Subsequently, Evin Prison guards forcibly and humiliatingly loaded these political prisoners into a vehicle, leading to their imprisonment in Qazalhessar. A family member reported that after being handcuffed and shackled, the 13 political prisoners were dragged on the ground. Meanwhile, these political prisoners have demanded to return to Evin Prison and immediate medical attention for Jafar Ebrahimi, an inspector of the Coordinating Council of Cultural Associations of Iran, who is in dire health due to multiple illnesses. Mr. Ebrahimi developed inflammatory bowel disease in prison in 2009. He also faced worsening health conditions and developed diabetes during a prolonged solitary confinement that occurred during the arrests in May of last year. Activists and teachers' associations have warned about the risk of Jafar Ebrahimi losing his eyesight. Previously, the group Doctors Without Borders called for effective medical care for Jafar Ebrahimi, noting the severity of his multiple health issues and emphasizing the need to ensure he has access to appropriate medical care. Reports received by Voice of America indicate that the head of Qazalhessar Prison met with these political prisoners and promised them access to kitchen facilities for proper food. However, they announced that they would refuse prison food until their return to Evin Prison and the cancellation of new charges against Jafar Ebrahimi and Kamyar Fakour, a journalist, lyricist, and labor activist. According to these reports, the prisoners transferred from Evin Prison to Qazalhessar are only consuming tea and biscuits. Previously, Erfan Kermavisi, the lawyer for Jafar Ebrahimi and Kamyar Fakour, tweeted about the registration of a new case against his clients. He wrote that their case has been registered with the complaint of the General Directorate of Prisons of Tehran Province for 'disturbing public order and insulting prison officials.' Meanwhile, reports from Qazalhessar Prison indicate that Zartosht Ahmadi Raghb, one of these 13 political prisoners, has gone on a complete hunger strike, raising concerns among his fellow inmates about his physical condition.