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Iran-HRM – Urgent call for immediate action to save the life of Mehran Gharahbaghi and transfer him to a hospital
According to reports received by Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM) on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Ahvaz’s Shiban Prison, political prisoner Mehran Gharahbaghi, who suffers from a heart condition, is in a critical condition. However, prison authorities are refusing to grant him a medical furlough and are obstructing his temporary release and transfer to a hospital or medical facilities. In addition to his acute heart condition, Mr.Gharahbaghi is severely suffering from a skin disease called “gale,” which is caused by the prison conditions. He also has vision problems, and the glasses provided to him do not match his prescription.
Mehran Gharahbaghi, 32 years old, holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and hails from one of the villages in Behbahan county. He was first arrested in 2017 and was detained again by security forces of the Revolutionary Guards on January 18, 2020, following the November 2019 protests. He has been in prison for over 4 years at present.
In May 2023, after three years of uncertainty, the revolutionary court in Mahshahr sentenced Mehran Gharahbaghi to 10 years and one month of imprisonment. He was charged with “membership in dissident groups,” (The People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) “anti-regime propaganda activities,” and “insulting the Supreme Leader.(Insulting Khamenei)”
Furthermore, as supplementary punishments, he was sentenced to 2 years of mandatory residence in the city of Tafresh, Yazd, 2 years of prohibition from membership in political and social parties, groups, and organizations, and 2 years of prohibition from leaving the country. Out of this sentence, 6 years and 2 months will be executable as imprisonment and supplementary punishment.
According to a source from inside the prison, “The sanitary conditions in this prison are deplorable. Last year, Mehran developed a severe case of scabies and suffered greatly until it was treated. ” While in Shiban Prison in Ahvaz, he developed acute heart disease and a severe skin condition known as scabies . However, he was deprived of access to medication and treatment. Despite multiple letters and repeated requests from political prisoner Mehran Gharahbaghi for transfer to Behbahan Prison, judicial authorities have prevented his transfer from Shiban Prison in Ahvaz to Behbahan Prison. The failure to transfer him to his hometown prison has caused numerous problems for his family and restrictions on visitation.
Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM) has called for urgent action by the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the human rights situation in Iranian prisons. They demand the immediate release of Mehran Gharahbaghi and his transfer to a hospital.
