Inmates of Ward 8 at Evin Prison Express Concern Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Inmates of Ward 8 at Evin Prison have issued a statement warning authorities about the danger of widespread coronavirus transmission in the prison. There are reports of suspected infection in at least two inmates and three prison staff members. Baktash Abtin has been transferred back to prison.
A group of inmates in Ward 8 of Evin Prison has issued a statement calling on the authorities of the Islamic Republic to seriously address the condition of prisons.
The main subject of this statement is the severe concern of inmates about the spread of coronavirus in this section of Evin Prison.
The statement reads in part: “The fourth wave of coronavirus has begun in prisons just as it has throughout the country, and its initial signs are now being observed in Ward 8 of Evin Prison with the confirmed infection of at least two inmates and three prison staff members.”
Another section of the statement refers to the re-transfer of Baktash Abtin, a political prisoner, to Ward 8. It is stated that this political prisoner, who had contracted coronavirus, was transferred back to prison before receiving proper treatment.
Inmates of Ward 8 at Evin Prison have called the transfer of this prisoner before complete recovery to a ward housing 300 people an irresponsible act that could threaten his health and cause the virus to spread to other inmates.
Another part of the statement reads: “We inmates, both political and financial prisoners and others, as well as foreign nationals in Ward 8 of Evin Prison, in light of the dangerous peak that has occurred and in accordance with the strict orders of the Corona Countermeasures Headquarters, which has prohibited any gatherings, insist on the immediate and urgent granting of special coronavirus leave to all prisoners.”
It should be noted that Maryam Yavari, the wife of Baktash Abtin, announced last week on her Instagram account that her husband had contracted coronavirus.
In their statement, inmates of Ward 8 at Evin Prison have requested from authorities: “Before we witness an unfortunate incident in the prison, it is necessary for the authorities of the judiciary to take action to improve the dangerous conditions to which we have referred.”
Source: DW
