Transfer of Atefeh Rangriz, Political Prisoner, to Intensive Care Unit of Shahroud Hospital

The Iranian Women's Association's account on social media X reported, citing lawyer Hossein Taj, that Atefeh Rangriz, a political prisoner and women's rights activist, has been admitted to the intensive care unit of Shahroud Hospital. According to the report, due to the deterioration of her heart condition last week, on the evening of Tuesday, November 29, she was sent on medical leave per the prison doctor's recommendation and was hospitalized in the intensive care unit of Shahroud Hospital. Atefeh Rangriz was arrested by government forces in Damghan on September 10, 2023, and was released from Shahroud Prison on October 20, 2023, after posting bail. The Shahroud Revolutionary Court sentenced her to two years, seven months, and sixteen days in prison for collaborating and being a member of opposition groups, and to seven months and sixteen days for propaganda against the regime, imprisoning her in Shahroud Prison on July 9, 2024. Atefeh Rangriz, a women's rights activist, has previously faced arrest and conviction for her activities. On Wednesday, November 30, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning human rights violations in the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to the HRANA news agency, this resolution was passed with 77 votes in favor, 28 against, and 66 abstentions. The resolution, proposed by Canada, addresses various issues such as 'increased executions, arbitrary detentions, suppression of protesters, and violations of women's rights.' On the same day, the European Union presented its report on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran to the 79th session of the UN General Assembly's Third Committee, expressing concern in this regard. Pressure on civil and political activists in Iran has increased in recent years, especially following the nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police in 2022. The conversion of a monetary fine into 39 months of imprisonment for Atefeh Rangriz, the arrest of over '1285 virtual activists,' and the detention of 58 field protesters during the government 'elections,' as well as the arrest of a rapper and several civil activists for opposing the government 'elections,' have all contributed to the ongoing crackdown. Atefeh Rangriz has been arrested again, and she has begun a hunger strike in Shahroud Prison. Amnesty International has called for the release of Neda Najafi, Atefeh Rangriz, Anisha Asadollahi, and Marzieh Amiri.