Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, urged the Islamic Republic to address concerns regarding the prolonged hunger strikes of prisoners protesting their conditions in jail. In a statement reflected on Thursday, September 9, in Reuters, Jahangir expressed concern for the fate of 53 prisoners at Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj who have been transferred to a new security ward, including 15 Baha'i prisoners. Twenty of these prisoners began a hunger strike on August 8 in protest against the violation of their rights, including 'denial of daily outdoor exercise,' 'poor ventilation in the new ward,' 'the presence of surveillance cameras,' and 'the failure to return their personal belongings,' with their number later decreasing to 15 or, according to some reports, 18. Jahangir stated in her announcement: 'I am deeply concerned about reports indicating the deterioration of the physical condition of the prisoners who have gone on hunger strike.' She also added that some reports indicate torture of these prisoners and other forms of harsh treatment since their transfer to the new ward. Previously, families of the prisoners on hunger strike had released a letter stating that their transfer to the new ward was 'accompanied by beatings.' Jahangir further addressed other aspects of this incident, stating that the mentioned prisoners have been unable to access their personal items, including their medications, and are even deprived of proper clothing since their transfer to the new ward. The UN Special Rapporteur noted: 'The deprivation of prisoners from contact with their families and access to legal counsel and appropriate medical treatment is in violation of international laws.' Reuters reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry has not commented on this report. However, the Tehran prosecutor had previously rejected the prisoners' requests, stating that the judiciary would not yield to their hunger strike and that these actions are 'failed endeavors.' In this context, Amnesty International described the conditions at Rajai Shahr prison as 'shameful.'
UN Reporter: Iran Should Address Concerns Over Prisoners' Hunger Strikes
UN Special Rapporteur Asma Jahangir has called on Iran to address the concerns over the hunger strikes of prisoners protesting their conditions, particularly at Rajai Shahr prison. The situation highlights serious human rights violations, including torture and lack of access to basic needs for the prisoners involved. This matter is significant as it draws international attention to Iran's treatment of political prisoners.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
UN Special Rapporteur Asma Jahangir urged Iran to address the concerns of prisoners on hunger strike at Rajai Shahr prison, highlighting human rights violations. The prisoners are protesting poor conditions and mistreatment.
- 53 prisoners were transferred to a new security ward, including 15 Baha'i prisoners.
- Prisoners began a hunger strike on August 8 to protest violations of their rights.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a history of human rights issues, particularly concerning political prisoners and minority groups like the Baha'i. Hunger strikes are a common form of protest in Iranian prisons.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%