Officials at Evin, Sanandaj, and Mahabad Prisons Oppose Medical Leave for Three Labor and Cultural Prisoners

Labor news sources have described the denial of medical treatment for two political prisoners, Davood Razavi and Osman Ismaili, as "shameless and inhumane," warning of "serious physical dangers" for them. Reports indicate that despite the illnesses of Davood Razavi, a member of the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Workers Syndicate imprisoned in Evin Prison, and Osman Ismaili, a labor activist imprisoned in Sanandaj, as well as Shakan Fahim, a cultural activist imprisoned in Mahabad, officials at these prisons have opposed their requests for medical leave for treatment. According to the Tehran and Suburbs Bus Workers Syndicate, Mr. Razavi, who suffers from "severe gastrointestinal disease" and eye and knee problems, was not sent to the hospital on Tuesday, April 21, due to "not wearing prison clothes." This labor organization condemned the "illegal, shameless, and inhumane" actions of prison officials, emphasizing the "serious physical dangers" that could arise if Razavi's treatment is not continued, and called for his immediate transfer to the hospital. The syndicate also criticized the lack of medical attention for two other imprisoned members, Reza Shahabi and Hassan Saidi, noting that Evin Prison officials had previously denied their requests for medical leave. Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defense of Osman Ismaili warned of the risk of paralysis for this labor activist imprisoned in Sanandaj Central Prison. Based on a statement published on this committee's Instagram page, a neurologist has indicated that "severe spinal canal stenosis and involvement of four vertebrae" could lead to Ismaili's "definite paralysis" and emphasized the need for "surgery" for this political prisoner "as soon as possible." The committee described the obstruction and prevention by the security and judicial authorities of the Islamic Republic in Kurdistan from transferring this labor activist to a medical center for surgery as "intentional" and aimed at his gradual death, calling for action from freedom-loving individuals and international labor organizations in this matter. The website "Kurdpa" also reported the repeated opposition of the Intelligence Department of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Mahabad to the medical leave request of Ashkan Fahim, a cultural activist imprisoned in this city. Reports indicate that Ashkan Fahim suffers from "skin and heart diseases" and is currently deprived of access to medical services in Mahabad Prison. He was arrested on September 15, 2023, by the forces of the IRGC Intelligence Organization at his home. Ashkan Fahim was subsequently sentenced to 45 months in prison and two years of exile to Arak on charges of "collusion and conspiracy against national security" and "propaganda against the regime." Over the past decades, many reports have emerged regarding the obstruction by officials of the Islamic Republic's prisons regarding the medical leave of political and ideological prisoners, leading to criticism from human rights and labor organizations worldwide. The opposition to the second medical leave request of Reza Shahabi, despite his serious need for surgery, and the campaign defending Osman Ismaili's warning about the "project of gradual death" for this imprisoned labor activist continue. Sharifeh Mohammadi, a labor activist, has been accused of supporting a political party. The opposition to the medical leave of Aziz Qasemzadeh continues; teachers remain under pressure. The judicial authorities' hostility towards labor activists persists; after Reza Shahabi, Hassan Saidi's medical leave was also denied. The Islamic Republic's prison organization denied Nasrin Javad's medical leave. Exclusive reports indicate that "insider prisoners and children of high-ranking officials" enjoy better privileges than other prisoners. Exclusive: Evin officials denied treatment for Siamak Ebrahimi, a civil activist prisoner.