Maryam Naqash Zargaran's 'Poor' Physical Condition After Three Weeks of Hunger Strike

Reports from Iran indicate that Maryam (Nasim) Naqash Zargaran, a Christian convert who has been on a hunger strike in prison since July 5, is in poor physical condition. Mansour Borji, spokesperson for the Article 18 Committee affiliated with the Council of Iranian Churches in London, told Radio Farda, 'Reports indicate the deterioration of Ms. Zargaran's condition.' According to the Mohabat News website, which publishes news about Christians in Iran, this Christian convert is suffering not only from physical issues but also from psychological pressures. Based on this report, Maryam Naqash Zargaran, who has heart problems, has experienced a severe drop in blood pressure due to her hunger strike. Zahra Pournouhi Langaroudi, Maryam Naqash Zargaran's mother, told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran last week that given her daughter's heart condition, this hunger strike is 'dangerous' for her. Maryam's mother added, 'My child has served one-third of her sentence according to existing laws and has behaved well during her imprisonment, so she is eligible for conditional release.' This Christian convert, according to her family, also suffers from a herniated disc and cervical arthritis. Maryam Naqash Zargaran has gone on a hunger strike in protest of her trial process and has declared that she will continue her hunger strike until her release. Mansour Borji, spokesperson for the Article 18 Committee, said that Maryam Naqash Zargaran was previously granted a short-term medical leave for treatment, but given her deteriorating health, this period was insufficient, and the prosecutor did not agree to extend her leave. Due to existing threats and pressures, Maryam Naqash Zargaran returned to prison, but reports still indicate her worsening condition. Maryam Naqash Zargaran was arrested in November 2012 on charges of conspiracy against national security and propaganda against the regime. She was released on bail a month later but was sentenced to four years in prison by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, presided over by Judge Moghiseh, that winter. This Christian convert has been serving her prison sentence in Evin Prison since July 2013. In June of the previous year, she was granted a few days of medical leave to pursue her treatment, and after her leave was not extended, she returned to prison on July 7. Concerns about the health status of Maryam Naqash Zargaran, the imprisoned Christian.