Nasrin Sotoudeh’s Coronavirus Test Returns Positive

Reza Khandan, husband of Nasrin Sotoudeh, announced in a post on social media that his wife has contracted COVID-19. Nasrin Sotoudeh, an imprisoned lawyer and human rights activist, was released on bail four days ago to continue her medical treatment.

Reza Khandan wrote on Facebook on Tuesday evening, November 20 (November 10): “Last Wednesday, during my first visit with Nasrin at Qarchak Prison, she told me that coronavirus has come to our ward and many people have become sick. That is why she was in a hurry to follow up on her release procedures.”

Mr. Khandan added: “Yesterday [Monday] we went to the hospital because of Nasrin’s heart problem. Before conducting a heart test, they suggested we both take coronavirus tests. Today, Nasrin’s test result came back positive. My test result is not ready yet.”

Nasrin Sotoudeh was recently transferred (about three weeks ago) from the women’s ward of Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison. This came despite the fact that the lawyer and human rights activist had serious medical care needs. According to her husband, the transfer occurred without notice and in an irregular manner.

Nasrin Sotoudeh’s husband wrote: “The judicial authorities and the prison organization, despite being aware of the unhygienic and catastrophic conditions at Qarchak Prison, transferred her without justification from Evin Prison to there, and despite her illness and severe weakness, exposed her to the virus.”

According to Reza Khandan, Nasrin Sotoudeh was told she would be transferred to a hospital, but instead she was transferred to Qarchak Prison. Qarchak Prison is known as one of Iran’s most notorious prisons.

Nasrin Sotoudeh was sentenced to 38 years in prison on charges including “assembly and conspiracy against national security, spreading lies and disturbing public opinion” and “encouraging corruption and immorality and providing the means for it,” based on her defense of political prisoners and her legal representation in several cases known as “Daughters of the Revolution.” After serving 12 years in prison, she is eligible for conditional release.

Before her transfer to Qarchak Prison, Ms. Sotoudeh had gone on a hunger strike and was in poor physical condition. She was released on bail four days ago to continue her medical treatment.

Source: DW