Nobel Laureate's Letter Condemns Conditions for Older Female Inmates

In another letter from prison, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is criticizing the harsh conditions faced by elderly female political prisoners in Tehran’s infamous Evin Prison.

Mohammadi, known for her human rights advocacy, referred to the detention of 21 Iranian women over the age of 60.

Evin prison – a primary site for political detainees – has long been known for its serious human rights abuses against dissidents.

In her letter, Mohammadi highlighted the broader issue of systemic neglect and harsh treatment of political detainees, stating that the conditions of the prisoners epitomize both the “cruelty of the Islamic Republic” and the “indomitable” spirit of women fighting for liberation.

"Society has moved past the despotic religious regime and aspires to a new plan for freedom and equality," she wrote.

Last month, Iran International reported that over 60 female political prisoners endure security and judicial pressures, with many experiencing medical neglect and age-related health complications.

Sources revealed that several prisoners were detained under unclear circumstances – and that conditions in the women’s ward are dire with prisoners deprived of basic rights, such as medical care, the ability to protest, correspondence, and family visits.
The ongoing neglect of medical needs for political prisoners has also led to multiple deaths in custody, attributed to torture, pressure, and medical negligence, further demonstrating the authorities' disregard for the health and well-being of detainees.