Taghi Rahmani: Treatment of Narges Mohammadi is a Form of Revenge

Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist imprisoned in Zanjan Prison, has contracted COVID-19. Taghi Rahmani, Narges Mohammadi’s husband, confirmed his wife’s infection with coronavirus in an interview with Deutsche Welle and called on Iranian judicial authorities to grant her medical leave for medical care.

The “Klemeh” website reported on Sunday, July 22 (July 12) that Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist, has contracted COVID-19. The Klemeh Twitter account stated that “Mohammadi and 11 other prisoners were quarantined on Sunday morning, July 22.”

Narges Mohammadi has been struggling with lung disease for years, and her condition has become more serious and dangerous due to her coronavirus infection.

Narges Mohammadi’s family also stated that she has undergone several major surgeries and according to her doctor’s orders, her diet should contain sufficient protein.

According to Klemeh, during the six months that Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to Zanjan, she has been fed with bread and yogurt or bread and tomato and onion.

Taghi Rahmani, Narges Mohammadi’s husband, also confirmed the news of her coronavirus infection in an interview with Deutsche Welle Farsi.

Rahmani said that symptoms of coronavirus, including severe muscle pain, extreme lethargy, and loss of sense of smell have appeared in Narges’ body, but the prison authorities’ negligence has worsened her condition.

Rahmani described his wife’s current situation to Deutsche Welle as follows: “A few days ago, a prisoner who tested positive for coronavirus was brought to the women’s ward. This prisoner infected the people inside the ward, and this has been happening for several days. After the prisoners contracted coronavirus, they separated 20 prisoners into two sections, isolated 8 of them, and quarantined 12 other prisoners, including Narges Mohammadi.”

Rahmani continued: “These 12 people were quarantined in the women’s ward of Zanjan Prison due to coronavirus infection, but no medical or pharmaceutical care is being provided, they are only quarantined.”

“Zanjan Prison does not provide Narges’ coronavirus test results“

Rahmani further emphasized that after pressure from families, two of the prisoners were tested and the results were positive. However, the prison has not officially announced this. Rahmani stressed that Narges Mohammadi was also tested, but Zanjan Prison does not provide test results. He continued that one of the female prisoners was transferred to the hospital due to her deteriorating condition. The hospital doctor said she contracted coronavirus, but due to lack of space, this prisoner was returned to the ward.

Mr. Rahmani continued: “Inside the country, families went to the prosecutor’s office and asked that Narges be released so she can recover and return to serve the rest of her sentence. International measures are also being taken. Amnesty International in Denmark and various places have written letters to Iran’s ambassadors and representatives.”

Rahmani said in another part of his remarks that the prison authorities’ action was a very dangerous step, whether intentional or unintentional, and despite knowing that a person infected with coronavirus was sent to the prisoners’ ward.

Rahmani added: “From the Ministry of Intelligence, Mr. Rouhani has an indescribable type of opposition and enmity towards Narges. But Mr. Rouhani is not responsible. However, the reality is that this level of opposition exists towards Narges, and she has even been subjected to double deprivation in prison. She cannot receive books, she has not been able to talk to her children by phone for 10 months, and her children have not heard their mother’s voice for 10 months. The officials of Zanjan Prison are not even willing to provide her with food at their own expense with Narges’ own money.”

Narges Mohammadi’s husband emphasized in his continued interview with Deutsche Welle: “The treatment currently being given to Narges is a form of revenge. A person has become ill and should at least be released. The officials of Zanjan Prison say they cannot do anything and Tehran must give permission. Lawyers also ask in Tehran but no one answers. Iranian judicial authorities do not recognize formal, political, and civil rights.”

At the end of his remarks to Deutsche Welle, Rahmani called on the country’s judicial authorities to grant his wife Narges Mohammadi leave so she can receive medical care.