Iran: situation of women

The situation of women in Ahvaz Sepidar prison is extremely critical. Endless torture and harassment, along with the Coronavirus outbreak, coupled with continuous water and electricity cuts, and the lack of minimum cooling equipment, have made the situation excruciating for female prisoners, especially political prisoners. This condition is dangerous for elderly and ill women and has caused severe respiratory problems for them.

The only worn-out air conditioner in the women’s ward is broken down. As a result of the extreme heat and overcrowded ward, the prisoners’ condition has worsened to the extent that due to the heat, one of the female prisoners fainted and fell to the ground.

One of the prisoners, who was suspected of Coronavirus infection, was also taken to a hospital outside the prison, but she was returned to the same ward without being quarantined.

So far, at least 50 women in this prison have contracted Coronavirus.

Prisoners’ protests have been disregarded by the prison officials, and the only telephone line to the outside world is repeatedly cut off, making it virtually impossible for prisoners to communicate with their families.

The Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran urges the international community, human rights, and women’s rights defenders and activists to take urgent action to save the lives of prisoners, particularly the political prisoners, and to arrange for a visit by an international commission of inquiry to meet with prisoners, especially female prisoners.