Plight Of Iranian Female Prisoners Continues

Despite mounting international concerns, 65 political female prisoners continue to face security and judicial pressures within the confines of Evin Prison's women's ward in Iran, Iran International can reveal.

Among them, eight suffer from medical neglect, while eight others are detained under ambiguous circumstances, and three endure age-related health issues, according to sources speaking to Iran International.

Rahileh Rahemipour, 72, Mahvash Shahriari Sabet, 71, and Parvin Mir-Asan, 67 are among the detainees grappling with health issues alongside old age while two pregnant prisoners anticipate childbirth behind bars in the upcoming months.

Several prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, are repeatedly denied fundamental rights such as organizing protests, correspondence, and family visits. Golrokh Iraee faces communication restrictions, while Sedigheh Vasmaghi, a prominent writer and Islamic scholar, remains deprived of weekly family visits since her arrest for non-compliance with compulsory hijab.

According to Iran International's sources, eight female prisoners are held with temporary detention orders without a conclusive verdict, with some enduring incarceration exceeding a year.

Over recent years, reports have highlighted the systemic lack of medical attention for political prisoners, demonstrating authorities' disregard for their right to adequate healthcare. Despite numerous deaths among political detainees due to pressure, torture, and medical negligence, the Islamic Republic has consistently disavowed responsibility.

The structure of Iran's Judiciary sets it apart from most other nations. It integrates both prosecutors and judges, frequently operating under guidance from security and intelligence agencies. Judges lack independence, functioning as personnel within the authoritative Judiciary, directly under the control of the Supreme Leader rather than the Ministry of Justice.