Matlab Ahmadian: Instead of a Noose, They Issued My Sentence of Gradual Death

Matlab Ahmadian, a political prisoner in Evin Prison in Tehran, who has been imprisoned for over 15 years despite illness and physical problems, reported in a letter the torture inflicted upon him and the Tehran prosecutor's obstruction of his medical treatment. This political prisoner stated that he is in a dire condition and wrote that the prosecutor has prevented necessary actions to preserve his life, effectively issuing a sentence of gradual death instead of a noose. Mr. Ahmadian announced that he has been sentenced to 30 years in prison, of which he has spent '15 years without even a day or an hour of leave under the harshest conditions.' He wrote about his arrest, interrogation, and the torture he endured in prison, stating: 'I was arrested in 2009 at the age of 25 and during interrogation, I was subjected to various forms of torture that would make any conscientious person's body tremble at the mere thought of it.' In the letter, which a copy was obtained by Voice of America, he added: 'During my interrogation and detention in Urmia, I was kept in solitary confinement for months, during which time the interrogators broke my leg, dislocated my shoulder, broke my ribs, shattered all my teeth except for three, and punches, kicks, and cables became my daily rations.' Matlab Ahmadian referred to the physical problems resulting from the severe and prolonged torture in prison, including broken vertebrae, spinal canal stenosis, testicular infection, colitis and stomach bleeding, hernia rupture and diaphragm tear, twisted stomach, daily vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, duodenal ulcers, and kidney failure. He added that despite the urgent need for medical care and surgery confirmed by forensic medicine, prison medical staff, the deputy prosecutor, and all related individuals and institutions, Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi has prevented the continuation of his treatment for a year by increasing the bail amount to 8 billion tomans. This political prisoner also wrote: 'I have no fear of dying for my freedom and beliefs, but I cannot submit to it without a fight and in silence; therefore, I call upon all awake consciences and human rights organizations to be my voice.' Matlab Ahmadian stated that the responsibility for his life lies with the Tehran prosecutor. He concluded by stating that he will no longer remain silent and considers it his legitimate right to express his protest in any way he can.