Saeed Masouri, Political Prisoner: The Islamic Republic Burns 'Old and Young' in the 'Fire of Its Crimes' in Qazal Hessar

Following the transfer of thirteen political prisoners from Evin to Qazal Hessar prison, Saeed Masouri, one of the transferred prisoners, described Qazal Hessar as a 'black hole' that he claims is unbelievable. This political prisoner, who has spent 23 years of his life in prison, criticized the conditions in Qazal Hessar, stating that 'there is the least possibility of nutrition, hygiene, medical care, and even a half-meter space to sit.' According to the Center for Legal Consultation and Education for Activists, Dadban, Saeed Masouri referred to this prison as a 'black hole' where 'by the will of the Supreme Leader and with the obedience of a criminal like Ejei, the people of this land, both old and young, are thrown into it and burned in the fire of their crimes.' The Iranian Writers' Association recently issued a statement warning about the dangerous conditions of the thirteen political prisoners transferred from Evin to Qazal Hessar. Meanwhile, political prisoner Bahareh Hedayat and journalist Nazila Maroufian, who opposes mandatory hijab, continue their hunger strike. The family of Javad Rouhi, a deceased prisoner, recently requested an end to Bahareh Hedayat's hunger strike in a letter. Bahareh Hedayat has been on hunger strike since September 9 in protest against the 'increased repression' of protesters by the Iranian government and the death of Javad Rouhi. In the letter from Javad Rouhi's family, published on the X platform (formerly Twitter) by civil activist Atena Daemi, they emphasized the 'necessity of Bahareh Hedayat's existence' for the Iranian nation and asked her to end her strike. Additionally, a source recently informed VOA about the deteriorating condition of Nazila Maroufian, the imprisoned journalist, following her dry hunger strike. Human rights sources report that several opponents of mandatory hijab have also faced prison sentences. Harana reported that Elham Farshad, an opponent of mandatory hijab, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by the Nowshahr court after a verbal altercation with a cleric. According to published reports, this altercation occurred after the cleric objected to the optional attire of this 29-year-old protester in a store in Ramsar. Harana also reported that a court date has been set for Maryam Abbasi Niko, a detained citizen in Shahin Shahr, on charges of 'insulting the Prophet.' According to this report, the trial date is set for September 18, and the charges against this 42-year-old citizen include 'propaganda against the regime,' 'insulting Islamic sanctities,' 'insulting the Prophet,' and 'insulting the leader of the Islamic Republic.' This is while Maryam Abbasi Niko has been deprived of access to her chosen lawyer since her arrest. Harana also reported on the issuance of a ruling by the Tehran Court of Appeals regarding Vahid Karimi, a protester residing in Qazvin, who was sentenced to four years, one month, and seventeen days in prison on charges of 'collusion and conspiracy against national security' and 'propaganda against the regime.' The Hengaw Human Rights Organization also reported the arrest of at least two citizens in recent days. According to this report, Vatan Doosti, an artist from the city of Pahleh in the Dehloran district, and Haidar Samadi from Divandarreh were arrested on Wednesday, September 6. No information has been released regarding the charges, detention location, or condition of these two citizens. As the anniversary of the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini in the custody of the morality police approaches, government pressure on journalists, civil and political activists, lawyers, labor activists, educators, and critics has intensified. The Iranian Writers' Association: The lives of the thirteen political prisoners transferred to Qazal Hessar are in danger. The International Federation of Journalists condemned the sentencing of two journalists in Iran. Continued judicial action against educators; a teachers' union activist in Arak was sentenced to prison and lashes. Habib Afkari, a former political prisoner: The noble people of Iran do not bow their heads to oppression.