Mohammad Nouri-Zad Transferred to Evin Prison Following Protest in Mashhad Prison and Suicide Attempt
Several Iranian political and civil activists have reported the transfer of Mohammad Nouri-Zad, a political prisoner who recently attempted suicide in Mashhad prison in protest against harassment of his family, to Evin Prison.
Multiple sources have confirmed this news. Civil activist Zarathushtra Ahmadi Ragheb reported on Tuesday, Ordibehesht 16, in a post on his Instagram account that Mohammad Nouri-Zad, who had been imprisoned in Vakil-Abad Prison in Mashhad since Mordad of last year along with other signatories of the resignation letter of Ayatollah Khamenei, has been transferred to Evin Prison.
The transfer of this political prisoner to Evin Prison occurred while Fateme Maleki, Mohammad Nouri-Zad’s wife, announced on social media on Saturday, Ordibehesht 13, that her husband attempted suicide on Friday, Ordibehesht 12, in Vakil-Abad Prison in Mashhad and was transferred to the prison clinic.
This political prisoner had also previously announced on Wednesday, Ordibehesht 10, in an audio file released on social media that in protest of harassment of his family by Islamic Republic authorities, he had decided to commit suicide.
These harassments include the conviction of Ali Nouri-Zad, the son of this political prisoner, to imprisonment and deprivation of membership in political parties, groups, and organizations by Branch 26 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on charges including “assembly and conspiracy with intent to commit crimes against national security through participation in December 2019 gatherings,” “anti-regime propaganda activities,” and “insulting the leadership.”
Mohammad Nouri-Zad, who has been in detention since Mordad 22, 1398, received a verdict on Sunday, Farvardin 10, issued by Branch 35 of the Appeals Court of Khorasan Razavi province on charges of “membership in anti-regime groups with intent to undermine national security,” “anti-regime propaganda activities,” and “establishing and managing a Telegram channel with intent to undermine national security,” resulting in a 15-year prison sentence.
International human rights organizations and the United States government have accused the Islamic Republic of violating freedom of speech and suppressing civil activists, and have called for the release of journalists who have been imprisoned solely for performing their duties and professions.
The U.S. State Department also states that the Iranian regime has arrested thousands of protesters, civil activists, workers’ representatives, and other sectors in the past two years.
Source: Voice of America
