Medical Deprivation of Jamal Ameli, Imprisoned Civil Activist, Poses Serious Risk to His Life

Iran Human Rights Organization reported on the medical deprivation of Jamal Ameli, a civil activist imprisoned in Evin prison, stating that his life is in "serious danger." In a report on Wednesday, August 31, the organization described Jamal (Mohammad Ali) Ameli's condition as "critical" due to his progressive joint disease known as "AS" and added that Evin prison officials have so far opposed his medical leave. According to this report, despite the emphasis from doctors, including the prison's trusted physician, on the "immediate treatment" of this civil activist, the prison organization is unwilling to cover the medical expenses and transfer him to specialized centers outside the prison. Jamal Ameli had previously written that the judge in charge of his case dismissed his autoimmune disease "AS" as unimportant and rejected his request for electronic monitoring. The Iran Human Rights Organization reported, citing a knowledgeable source, that the prison's medical staff only provides Jamal Ameli with painkillers, which have caused him "day-and-night drowsiness" and severe "stomach pain." According to this human rights organization, Jamal Ameli, who has been imprisoned in Evin since April 7 of this year, is held in Ward 6 of the prison without adherence to the principle of separation of crimes. He was sentenced to one year in prison on February 26 of last year for two charges: "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda against the regime." The report notes that the examples of charges against this civil activist include his writings against executions and the use of the hashtag "do not execute" on the social media platform "X." Human rights organizations and activists have consistently criticized the repression of freedom of expression by the Islamic Republic. The Iranian government's pressure on critics and civil, political, and labor activists has intensified, especially after the nationwide protests of "Women, Life, Freedom" in 2022. In recent weeks, reports have emerged regarding the opposition of Evin prison officials to the medical leave of several political prisoners, including Narges Mohammadi, Sarvnaz Ahmadi, Reza Shahabi, Hassan Saidi, and Davood Razavi.