The human rights organization “Voice of Iran’s Prisoners” warns of an increasingly alarming situation for political prisoners in Yazd Central Prison. Amid rising political tensions and a repressive climate, there is a near-total information blackout regarding conditions in the facility. At the same time, prisoners are being denied basic medical care.
Zeynab Jalalian
Particularly concerning is the case of Zeynab Jalalian, who has been imprisoned since 2008 and is considered the longest-held political prisoner in Iran. Her original death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment following international protests. Jalalian has long suffered from serious health problems, including kidney disease and a heart condition. Nevertheless, according to reports, she is systematically denied adequate medical treatment, including specialized care and follow-up.
Hamid Ghareh-Hassanlou
Doctor Hamid Ghareh-Hassanlou is also being held under difficult conditions. He was arrested in connection with the nationwide “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom) protests in 2022 and was initially sentenced to death. After the sentence was overturned, he was given 15 years of internal exile imprisonment in Yazd. He is reported to have been severely tortured during interrogations and has since suffered significant health issues, including lung damage and serious spinal problems. Despite this, he is not receiving continuous medical treatment.
Parisa Kamali
Another case is that of student Parisa Kamali, who was arrested in 2024 in Isfahan and later transferred to Yazd. The charges against her include “propaganda against the system” and alleged links to opposition groups. Although her initial sentence was reduced, reports mention a loss of contact with her family, denial of medical care, and intense security pressure. Particularly alarming is that her file was at one point reported as “missing,” creating further uncertainty about her legal status.
Hojat Alizadegan
58-year-old political prisoner Hojat Alizadegan is also in critical condition. He suffers from a severe lung disease and urgently requires specialized medical treatment. However, he is being denied even access to the prison clinic, putting his life at immediate risk.
Structural problems in the treatment of political prisoners
According to the human rights organization, these cases are not isolated but reflect structural problems in the treatment of political prisoners in Iran. The combination of information blackout, medical neglect, and ongoing pressure significantly worsens the situation of those affected. “Voice of Iran’s Prisoners” warns that the continued denial of fundamental rights threatens not only the health but also the lives of the prisoners. At the same time, the lack of transparency about prison conditions makes public oversight nearly impossible.
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