Human Rights Organizations Express Concern Over Political Prisoners' Health; Islamic Republic Prevents Medical Care

Several human rights and professional organizations have expressed concern over the deteriorating health of some political prisoners and the refusal of the Islamic Republic's authorities to provide medical care for these prisoners. The news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran reported on Monday, September 6, that Elaheh Mohammadi, a detained journalist in Evin Prison, has been deprived of adequate medical care. The Harana news agency reported that the prison doctor prescribed tests for Ms. Elaheh Mohammadi, which have not been carried out due to the obstruction by the authorities despite the urgency. Saeed Parsa, Elaheh Mohammadi's husband, stated: "For nearly two months, the Evin prison doctor has registered an emergency transfer for Elaheh Mohammadi for an ultrasound. During this time, once after the transfer, the relevant doctor refused to examine Elaheh. The next time, the prison refused to transfer her to the medical center. Two days later, a new appointment was set. This time, after four hours of waiting and without informing Elaheh, she was taken to an unspecified medical center, which she opposed, and she was returned to prison." Elaheh Mohammadi is a journalist who went to the city of Saqqez and was arrested in Tehran for reporting on the funeral of Mahsa Amini on October 7, 2022. The news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran also reported that Abbas Vahidian Shahroodi, a writer and civil activist imprisoned in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, has been deprived of adequate medical care despite his poor physical condition. According to the Harana news agency, Shahla Jahambin, the wife of this civil activist, said: "My husband has been suffering from infection, severe pain, and bruising in the sole of his foot for several weeks, making walking difficult. Although he was transferred to the prison clinic and hospitalized, he needs tests but continues to be denied transfer to a hospital for specialized care." Abbas Vahidian suffers from lung diseases, shortness of breath, palpitations, stress, and severe gum infection. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison on September 10, 2021. The Coordinating Council of Cultural Associations of Iran also reported on the deteriorating health condition of Asghar Amirzadegan, a teachers' union activist in Shiraz. This council wrote on its Telegram channel: "According to reports from Firoozabad Prison, Asghar Amirzadegan's physical condition is unfavorable. He has been suffering from swelling and gastrointestinal bleeding for a long time and needs to be under special conditions and monitored by a specialist doctor." The Coordinating Council of Cultural Associations of Iran also expressed concern over the lack of information and the situation of "Jalveh Javaheri" and "Forough Sami'nia" in solitary confinement at the Rasteh Intelligence Department detention center, stating: "The deprivation of the right to make phone calls for Jalveh Javaheri and Forough Sami'nia, after only one initial call, as well as their continuous presence in solitary confinement at the Rasteh Intelligence detention center, has significantly increased concerns about their health and lives."