Mohesher in Evin: When Medical Treatment Becomes a Privilege for a Christian Prisoner

Mohesher (Mohterem) Parndian, an artist and Christian citizen imprisoned in Evin, despite suffering from severe heart disease and two tumors in the throat and head region, continues to be denied access to specialized medical treatment and medical leave; a case that once again highlights concerns about Christian prisoners in Iran being deprived of medical care.

The physical condition of Mohesher (Mohterem) Parndian, a Christian citizen and artist imprisoned in Evin, has once again drawn the attention of Christian and human rights organizations outside Iran to the situation of prisoners who are denied access to necessary treatment during their detention.

According to reports published by Article18, Middle East Concern, and other sources, Parndian, who has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, is facing severe heart disease and two tumors in the area below the throat and near the cerebellum. The reports indicate that one of these tumors has affected his balance, movement, and speech, and the throat mass has also noticeably enlarged.

In the latest international reports, his condition has been described not as a routine medical problem, but as an example of a sick prisoner being deprived of essential treatment. Middle East Concern has reported that Parndian does not have access to necessary medical care, and physicians have stressed the need for immediate treatment. The Christian organization has also called for prayers for his health and for the provision of medical and surgical treatment.

The matter becomes more concerning when considering recent reports about how Parndian was sent to the hospital. Article 18 organization reported in June 2026 that he was transferred to the hospital to undergo a test, but was returned to prison without receiving treatment.

According to the organization, the prison physician had diagnosed that Parndian needs cardiac angiography and tumor surgery. Meanwhile, Article18 sources have warned that the growth of the tumors has affected his balance, movement, and speech, and there is even concern about potential damage to the vision in one of his eyes.

These reports are consistent with information released by other human rights organizations.

The significance of Parndian’s case becomes clearer when we do not view it as an isolated case. Middle East Concern announced in March 2026 that at least 48 Christians in Iran are imprisoned due to their Christian faith and related activities. Article 18 also reported at the same time that at least 16 Christians were imprisoned in Evin prison. These statistics show that the issue is not limited to one prisoner or one legal case, but rather part of a broader situation of imprisoned Christians in Iran.

Regarding medical care, other cases have also been documented. The British government’s country policy report on the situation of Christians and Christian citizens in Iran, published in June 2026, documented several cases of Christian prisoners being denied medical services; including a Christian woman who, after being injured in prison, was denied specialized care and medical leave, a Christian prisoner who faced delayed treatment after a spinal fracture, and a Christian male prisoner who did not receive adequate medical care following a stroke.

In one of these cases, “Aida Najafloo,” after falling from an upper bunk bed in a cell, suffered a vertebral fracture. Despite the diagnosis of the fracture, she was initially returned to prison without receiving proper treatment and was only transferred back to the hospital after protests from other prisoners.

Other cases have been previously raised. “Laleh Saati,” a Christian citizen imprisoned in Evin, was denied access to specialized examinations and medical treatment in 2024 despite the severity of her neurological condition. “Mina Khajavi,” another imprisoned Christian citizen, also faced a lack of medical care in Evin due to mobility problems and untreated foot injury.

One of the most serious aspects of this issue is that not all cases of medical deprivation necessarily reach the media. In March 2026, Middle East Concern announced that families and friends of imprisoned Christians in Iran are deeply concerned about their loved ones’ situation, and contact with some prisoners has been almost completely cut off. The organization also emphasized the need for prisoners to have access to food, medical care, and for families to be promptly informed about their health status or transfers.

Article18 also reported during the same period that following the tightening of security conditions, contact between families and some prisoners has been cut off, and in some prisons, even medical appointments have been canceled and prisoner access to medical care has been restricted.

Therefore, what is published about Parndian or other sick Christian prisoners does not necessarily represent the full extent of the problem. If a family lacks access to information, if prison contacts are cut off, or if a prisoner is transferred to an unknown location, naturally more cases may never reach the media or human rights organizations.

Depriving a sick prisoner of specialized treatment, regardless of their accusation or beliefs, is an issue that goes beyond the normal conditions of imprisonment. When a physician declares the necessity of surgery or immediate treatment, returning the patient to prison without providing the means for treatment can have irreversible consequences for their health and even their life.

In Mohesher Parndian’s case, concern intensifies when heart disease, growing tumors, and disturbances in balance, movement, and speech have coincided, and at the same time, a request for medical leave has been denied. This issue demonstrates a deprivation of treatment, which is a fundamental right of a citizen, and constitutes a crime against prisoners; as some of these prisoners have lost their lives due to deprivation of treatment, raising questions about humanity.

A fundamental question remains: if a prisoner requires immediate medical treatment, why should their access to specialized doctors and appropriate treatment depend on the decision of a judicial authority or prison administration?

Mohesher Parndian’s case is not merely a plea for treatment of one sick woman; it is a test of how the Iranian government treats prisoners who are imprisoned due to their religious beliefs and activities. In circumstances where international organizations report the existence of dozens of imprisoned Christians in Iran, the international community and especially churches and organizations defending religious freedom cannot respond only after each case becomes media news. The health and life of a prisoner should not be the price of their beliefs.