Warning About the Danger of 'Paralysis' for Imprisoned Labor Activist: No Action Taken for Osman Ismaili's Treatment

Yadollah Samadi, spokesperson for the campaign defending Osman Ismaili, a painter and labor activist, told Voice of America that officials at the central prison of Sanandaj are neglecting the treatment of this labor activist's illnesses. Meanwhile, the 'International Union of Food, Agriculture, and Hotel Workers' (IUF) has called for Osman Ismaili to receive medical treatment and be freed from prison. This global federation warned that Ismaili, suffering from cardiovascular diseases and other ailments, is at risk of losing his legs. In this regard, Yadollah Samadi stated that this labor activist was transferred from Saqez prison to the central prison of Sanandaj on February 12, 2024, and that judicial and prison officials claimed the transfer was for the treatment of his illnesses, but so far, no practical measures have been taken other than a few medical tests. Samadi emphasized that Osman Ismaili has multiple illnesses, and the tests conducted, as well as the opinion of a trusted physician from the forensic medical organization, indicate his severely poor physical condition due to a hernia and severe spinal canal stenosis, with the possibility of paralysis in his legs. The spokesperson also noted that the central prison of Sanandaj wrote to the fourth branch of the Saqez execution office on April 10, stating that Ismaili cannot endure prison due to his multiple illnesses and should be granted medical leave. He added, 'The fourth branch of the Saqez execution office also wrote a letter to the Saqez Intelligence Department on April 14 to express their opinion, but on April 17, we learned that this department and the Saqez prosecutor's office did not approve this request.' The IUF, in its statement criticizing the refusal of the central prison of Sanandaj to treat Osman Ismaili, called on the International Labour Organization to urge the Iranian government to allow Mr. Ismaili to receive urgent medical care and to release him from prison. In this context, Sue Longley, the IUF General Secretary, stated that the federation 'will continue to support Osman Ismaili until he receives the necessary healthcare.' Osman Ismaili announced on October 30 of last year that the Supreme Court had upheld his 16-month prison sentence. He had written on his Instagram page that the Saqez Revolutionary Court sentenced him to 16 months in prison on charges of 'membership in Komala and the Communist Party of Iran.' The Islamic Republic has repeatedly condemned political, labor, professional, and civil activists to prison on security charges through security and judicial actions. The IUF emphasized in its statement that Osman Ismaili was arrested and sentenced to prison for participating in the funeral of Mahsa Amini, who was killed while in the custody of the morality police in 2022. This labor activist had stated in court that he rejected the charges against him by defending his labor activities. Osman Ismaili, 63 years old, has been arrested and imprisoned multiple times for supporting workers' rights. The global labor federation also criticized the Iranian government for what it termed the ongoing 'deliberate policy of depriving imprisoned labor and professional activists of essential medical care.' Currently, Reza Shahabi, Davood Razavi, Hassan Saidi, Ashkan Fahim, and Nasrin Javadi, imprisoned labor and professional activists, are facing illnesses that jeopardize their health. However, according to reports, the Iranian prison organization and prison officials have not provided medical facilities for them or have opposed granting medical leave to these activists.