Human Rights Defenders: Fatemeh Sepehri's Life is in Danger

On Friday, October 20, the Human Rights Defenders Center warned that the life of Fatemeh Sepehri, a political activist opposed to the Islamic Republic, is in danger. This human rights organization noted that following Ms. Sepehri's heart surgery, the recovery period is at least three months, stating: "Returning her to prison just one week after surgery sends a clear message; the government intends to end the life of this political prisoner." Earlier, Asghar Sepehri, Fatemeh's brother, had released an audio file from his sister, announcing her arrest and transfer back to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad on Thursday, October 19. In the audio file, Ms. Sepehri said: "Now the agents of the Islamic Republic have come for me and are standing at the door while I am getting dressed to go. I entrust everyone to the God I want to save Iran. I hope to see Iran free soon." Just hours before this audio, she had stated in a video message: "While I had just returned home less than 24 hours ago, the Revolutionary Court called and said my one-week leave was over, and I must report back to prison." She emphasized that whoever is responsible for her fate, "Ali Khamenei and his agents" must be held accountable. This political activist, who suffered a heart condition in Vakilabad Prison, was hospitalized at Qaem Hospital in Mashhad and underwent open-heart surgery. In her video message, she mentioned: "On October 5, when I was sent to the hospital for open-heart surgery, the day after I was taken to the operating room, two of my brothers were arrested by the agents of the Islamic Republic. From the moment I regained consciousness until now, I have suffered for my heart surgery as well as for the arrest of my brothers." According to Fatemeh Sepehri, "someone who has undergone open-heart surgery must take their medication moment by moment" and needs "proper food and environment," while she is currently suffering from "dizziness, nausea, and severe pain." This political prisoner insisted: "Today, by order of Branch 21, I must return to prison. I will not go voluntarily. Because one week for such a procedure is truly an insult to the Islamic Republic." She stated that her two doctors had requested a three-month suspension of her sentence. Fatemeh Sepehri was arrested shortly after the killing of Mahsa Amini and the onset of nationwide protests in Iran, and she has been in prison for over a year. She is one of the signatories of a letter calling for the ousting of Ali Khamenei and the transition away from the Islamic Republic.