Iran prison authorities accused of abusing political detainees

Reports indicate that political prisoners in Iran are facing escalating abuse and collective punishment within the prison system. In Evin Prison’s Ward 7, detainees are reportedly subjected to extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees Celsius without access to cooling devices, inadequate sanitary facilities, and widespread insect infestations. Authorities are also accused of placing political detainees alongside common criminals to increase psychological pressure.

Beyond physical conditions, prison authorities are reportedly using punitive transfers, the withholding of medication, and the detention of relatives to pressure prisoners into abandoning their political stances.

Specific concerns have been raised regarding Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani, a former futsal referee held in Tehran Great Prison. Kashani, who is serving a six-year sentence, is reportedly being denied medical treatment for serious spinal, gastrointestinal, and heart conditions. His health has reportedly declined following his participation in the ‘No to Executions Tuesdays’ campaign and protests against death sentences.