A group of 120 prisoners, including 38 political prisoners, were transferred from Mahabad Prison to Miandoab Prison on 5 March under heavy security measures and are currently being held in harsh conditions in the quarantine section of the facility.
The family of one of these prisoners, who spoke to the Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN), said: “On Tuesday, 3 March 2026, after one of the military centres near Mahabad Prison was bombed, prisoners staged a protest and, by setting fire to blankets, demanded their unconditional release under wartime conditions. Following the arrival of special forces, who used tear gas, at least three political prisoners with sentences of more than 10 years – Nasser, Younes and Habib (last names unknown) – were transferred to an undisclosed location. The other prisoners were also transferred collectively to the quarantine section of Miandoab Prison without being allowed to take their personal belongings with them.”
Since their transfer, the 120 prisoners have been held in two rooms and deprived of even the most basic facilities, the source added.
Due to the ongoing wartime situation, prison authorities have locked the ward doors and, according to available information, the prisoners have not yet been provided with food.
Over the past two days, some prisoners have been temporarily released on bail or granted prison leave. However, most detainees remain in a state of uncertainty, and their continued detention under harsh wartime conditions has heightened the concerns of their families.
At the same time, families of prisoners in different cities are themselves facing severe difficulties due to heavy bombardments. Prisoners, despite their own difficult circumstances, are deeply worried about the safety of their relatives, further intensifying the psychological pressure on both detainees and their families.
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