Reza Salmanzadeh, political prisoner and advocate, has gone into a 'semi-coma' due to hunger strike

A source close to Reza Salmanzadeh's family, the father of Mahdi Salmanzadeh, one of the victims of the November 2019 protests, announced on Saturday that this political prisoner has gone into a 'semi-coma' due to a hunger strike. According to this source, Reza Salmanzadeh has been on hunger strike for the past two days in protest against the inadequate medical attention from prison officials regarding bleeding caused by a prostate surgery. The source further stated that this hunger strike has caused Mr. Salmanzadeh's blood pressure to drop to six, leading him to enter a 'semi-coma.' The source added that an ambulance has now entered Ghezal Hesar prison to transfer Mr. Salmanzadeh to the hospital. Reza Salmanzadeh is the father of Mahdi Salmanzadeh, a teenage protester whose lifeless body was found after the nationwide protests in November 2019, and he was imprisoned following his quest for justice. During the fire at Evin prison amidst the nationwide protests in 2022, Reza Salmanzadeh was one of the prisoners who faced charges including 'moharebeh' (waging war against God) and 'ifsad fil arz' (corruption on earth), ultimately being sentenced to five years in prison and 74 lashes for 'destruction of property,' one year in prison and 74 lashes for 'disruption of prison order,' and one year in prison for 'disobedience and rebellion against officials' orders.' Reza Salmanzadeh's New Year message from Ghezal Hesar prison: 1403 is the year of seeking justice until liberation. Exclusive: Reza Salmanzadeh to Neda Alnashif: 'Meet with prisoners directly.' Exclusive: 'New case fabrication' against Reza Salmanzadeh; the opposing party is the General Directorate of Prisons of Tehran Province.