Prison Official Prevents 10 Political Prisoners from Meeting Their Families

A group of political prisoners in Ward 4 of Evin Prison claims that the head of this ward, Colonel Mahmoudi, arbitrarily and illegally prevented several prisoners from meeting their families. According to a report received by Voice of America on Tuesday, June 6, Mahmoudi's actions sparked protests among the prisoners in this ward. In response to this illegal act, several other political prisoners in Ward 4 also refused to meet and gathered in the ward chief's office to protest against the illegal approach and pressure on political prisoners and their families. Mahmoudi reportedly stated in response to the prisoners' protests, 'Meeting with family is not a right of the prisoner but a privilege that I grant at my discretion.' According to claims by a group of political prisoners in Ward 4, he also emphasized, 'I have a problem with political prisoners and will use any means to control you.' This group of political prisoners has stated that they have previously faced oppressive pressures from Mahmoudi, including arbitrary blocking of phone cards, closure of cultural units, libraries, and classes for political prisoners, as well as threats of creating legal cases against them. The report mentions Mahmoudi's prominent role in the suppression, abuse, and severe beating of political prisoners during the fire incident on October 15 of last year in Ward 8, as well as his vulgar insults directed at prisoners and their families. The group of political prisoners in Ward 4 has warned that appointing such a person as the ward chief will not have pleasant consequences, and the responsibility lies with the prison organization authorities. After the fire at Evin Prison, one of the prisoners inside the prison described the situation to Voice of America, stating that if there was any rebellion, it was provoked by prison officials and the humiliation of prisoners.