Mehdi Mahmoudian Sentenced to Prison for Reporting Bedbug Infestation in Evin Prison

Mehdi Mahmoudian, a human rights activist and former political prisoner who had exposed the presence of bedbugs in Evin Prison, announced on social media platform 'X' that he has been sentenced 'in absentia' to eight months in prison, a two-year ban on membership in political parties and groups, a two-year ban on using smartphones, and a two-year travel ban. On Friday, October 6, he shared an image of his ruling issued by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Iman Afshari. In his post, Mahmoudian stated that the 'vengeful judge' merely copied and issued the ruling based on a single sentence he wrote in response to a denial by the Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, regarding the bedbug issue, in which he stated, 'They have become addicted to lying.' Mahmoudian noted that although he was present in the office of Branch 26, he refused to appear before this illiterate judge, resulting in the ruling being issued in absentia. He added that despite exercising his right to appeal, he did not attend the second court session either. The bedbug issue in the prison became newsworthy in May when Zia Nabavi, a student activist imprisoned, wrote in a letter that the 'infestation of bedbugs' in Ward 8 of the prison has caused 'mental and physical distress' to inmates, stating that 'the basic and health rights of prisoners are being ignored.' Following this revelation, Mostafa Nili, one of Nabavi's lawyers, announced that a court session was convened for him on charges of 'spreading falsehoods,' stating that this case was initiated following a complaint from Evin Prison against this political prisoner due to the publication of a text regarding the presence of bedbugs in Ward 8. He mentioned that the lawyers requested the judge to personally visit Ward 8 to verify the truth of the client's claims, and this request was 'approved.' Zia Nabavi spent some time in a 'punitive solitary confinement' cell after reporting on the 'bedbug infestation.' The Mizan news agency, belonging to the judiciary, at that time labeled the news as 'false claims,' but civil activists reported that following Nabavi's disclosure, Evin Prison officials took action to exterminate the bedbugs and collected money from prisoners to purchase pesticides and equipment. Mehdi Mahmoudian, who commented on this issue, was arrested and released the next day, and a case was opened against him on charges of 'propaganda against the regime.' He wrote on social media that 'the Islamic Republic and its components have become addicted to lying.' Mahmoudian further pointed out that Jafar Panahi had been sent outside the prison three times due to severe bedbug bites, stating, 'The prison could not afford pest control even with the prisoners' money; let alone Ward 8, which is one of the dirtiest wards in Evin.' Mizan news agency reported simultaneously with Mahmoudian's arrest that his summons was due to 'claims made by him on social media.' In August of this year, Mahmoudian also reported on an attack by Evin prison guards on the women's ward, writing on social media that 'following the protests of female prisoners in Evin Prison against the execution of Reza Rasayi and the assault of the guards on the women's ward, several political prisoners were injured and transferred to the infirmary.' The court for Zia Nabavi was held on charges of reporting on 'Evin's bedbugs'; defense lawyers: the judge should visit Ward 8. A new case for Zia Nabavi was opened due to reporting on 'bedbugs.' Mehdi Mahmoudian, a civil activist, referred to the new case fabricated by the judiciary: 'I will not vote.' Testimonies from Qazalhesar prisoners about the increase in executions and violence; the prison organization claims: 'They have welfare standards.' Punitive actions against Zia Nabavi and Ahmadreza Haeri for reporting on the conditions of prisoners. Zia Nabavi's account of 'bedbug infestation' in Ward 8 of Evin Prison: the basic rights of prisoners are being ignored.