Prosecutor Opposes Sending Sepideh Gholian to Hospital Despite 'Severely Concerning Condition'

The Human Rights Campaign in Iran reported, citing 'an informed source', that despite the 'severely concerning mental and physical condition' of Sepideh Gholian, a civil activist, the prosecutor's office in Shush has opposed her transfer to a hospital. According to the report, Ms. Gholian had a 'severely concerning mental and physical condition' during a visit with her family last week. The 'informed source' stated that during the visit, the civil activist continuously recited sad poems in response to her family's questions. She has lost a lot of weight and has had difficulty maintaining her balance while walking. The family of Sepideh Gholian requested her transfer to a hospital from the Shush prosecutor's office but were told that 'the transfer of Ms. Gholian to the hospital will not be approved and if necessary, the prison doctor will visit her.' The independent channel of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers reported on February 11 that Ismail Bakhshi and Sepideh Gholian are under 'severe pressure' for forced confessions and to write a 'repentance letter'. Ismail Bakhshi, a representative of the Haft Tappeh Sugarcane Workers, and Sepideh Gholian were arrested for the second time on January 19 after speaking about their torture. This arrest followed the broadcast of their forced confessions on the Iranian television program 'Burnt Design'. Previous reports have also indicated the poor physical condition of Ismail Bakhshi, and on February 24, the Haft Tappeh Workers' Syndicate reported, citing Farzaneh Zilabi, Ismail Bakhshi's lawyer, that Mr. Bakhshi had 'fainted' during a visit with his family. The family of Ismail Bakhshi has gathered twice in front of the Shush courthouse. Amnesty International has also launched an online campaign for the release of these two individuals, urging its audience to sign the petition online and request the Iranian president to release them. Previously, over 800 political and civil activists from various independent labor and professional organizations in Iran, as well as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, had called for the release of these two individuals.