Hunger Strike of 9 Political and Ideological Prisoners in Shiban Prison, Ahvaz

Reports indicate that 9 political and ideological prisoners in Ward 8 of Shiban Prison in Ahvaz have gone on hunger strike in protest of "inhumane conditions and violation of their basic rights." These prisoners, who have been on hunger strike since March 10, are protesting their prolonged uncertainty during temporary detention and the prison authorities' refusal to send them to medical facilities outside the prison. The Karun Human Rights Organization also stated: "These prisoners have gone on hunger strike in protest of the lack of resolution regarding their legal cases and the interference of the IRGC intelligence in the handling of their cases." Reports also indicate that these 9 political and ideological prisoners are demanding medical leave and phone access to contact their families. The names of the prisoners on hunger strike are "Khalil Khosraji, Reza Moavi, Nader Helichi, Mohammad Marvani, Hadi Heydari, Hassoun Delfi, Younes Ghorbavi, Hossein Silavi, Ali Baravieh." Meanwhile, the Karun Human Rights Organization reported that "Nader Helichi, a Sunni ideological prisoner from Kut Abdullah, was transferred to the hospital after several days of hunger strike due to the uncertainty of his case status." Karun quoted a relative of Mr. Helichi stating that his health condition worsened on Thursday, March 14, and the authorities at Shiban Prison were compelled to transfer him to the "Fatemeh al-Zahra" hospital in the city. According to this report, Nader Helichi was arrested about three months ago by the IRGC intelligence agents in Ahvaz and after spending time in solitary confinement in the IRGC's cells, was transferred to the central prison of Ahvaz (Shiban). Mr. Helichi is married and the father of six daughters. Reza Valizadeh ended his hunger strike due to the severe deterioration of his mother's health. The women's ward of Sepidar Prison in Ahvaz joined the campaign against executions on Tuesdays. Nahid Shirpish's health deteriorated following this mother's hunger strike for her imprisoned child.