Protests Over Narges Mohammadi's Hospitalization Conditions

The Human Rights Defenders Association has protested the conditions of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned vice president of the association, in the hospital, including her being tied to the bed. It has been reported that Ms. Mohammadi has suffered from severe seizures three times in the hospital. According to reports, Narges Mohammadi was transferred to the hospital on Sunday, October 19, after suffering from seizures in Evin Prison and with a delay in executing the orders of specialist doctors. Taghi Rahmani, Narges Mohammadi's husband, stated that creating unsuitable conditions such as being 'tied to the bed' delays her treatment. The Human Rights Defenders Association, led by Shirin Ebadi, previously pointed out that Ms. Mohammadi's two illnesses, 'pulmonary embolism' and 'muscular paralysis,' are exacerbated in the prison environment and stressful conditions, which 'can endanger the patient's life.' The association also issued a statement on Friday, October 24, on its website, requesting responsible authorities to create 'stress-free conditions' for Ms. Mohammadi's treatment in the hospital. According to this association, Narges Mohammadi's 'hands and feet' have been tied to the bed despite the objections of her treating physicians, and a female officer is present next to her bed 24 hours a day. Continued conditions have led to Ms. Mohammadi suffering from severe seizures three times in the hospital, and doctors believe that 'continuing this situation... will not ensure her health and recovery.' Meanwhile, the Human Rights Defenders Association noted that the costs of the hospital and tests have been 'demanded' from Ms. Mohammadi's family, emphasizing that the treatment of prisoners is 'the responsibility of the prison administration,' and demanding hospital costs is 'illegal.' Reports indicate that in recent days, some family members of Narges Mohammadi have been allowed limited visits with her in the hospital, but she still lacks access to a phone to speak with her eight-year-old children. Reports also indicate that Narges Mohammadi has suffered from neurological diseases since 2010 after being held in solitary confinement in Ward 209. Ms. Mohammadi was arrested at her home on May 15 of this year, two days after her court hearing was postponed in Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. She was also initially sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2011 on charges of 'collusion and conspiracy against national security,' 'propaganda against the regime,' and 'membership in the Human Rights Defenders Association,' but this sentence was reduced to six years in March of that year. Ms. Mohammadi was transferred to Evin Prison and then to Zanjan Prison to serve her sentence in 2012, but due to illness, she was released on bail of 600 million tomans in August 2012. In this context, Narges Mohammadi's family claims she has been accused of 'collaborating with ISIS.'