Denial of Medical Treatment for Sadegheh Vasmaghi in Evin Prison

Sadegheh Vasmaghi, a political and social analyst detained in Evin Prison, has been denied referral to a hospital and medical treatment.

Sadegheh Vasmaghi was arrested by security forces on March 16, 2024, and transferred to Evin Prison. Her indictment was issued with charges of propaganda against the system on social media and appearing in public places without a hijab, and the case was referred to Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

Sadegheh Vasmaghi, who suffers from high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and elevated blood sugar, experienced severe physical deterioration on Monday, April 1st. The prison’s health officer issued an order for her immediate transfer to a hospital, but due to obstruction by prison officials, she was denied medical care. Her physical condition became extremely critical, following which the health department emphasized the emergency nature of her situation. She was transferred to a medical facility outside the prison the next day. However, less than 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital and despite the treating physician’s recommendation for cardiac angioplasty surgery, Vasmaghi was returned to prison.

A report published on a page attributed to Sadegheh Vasmaghi stated that the prevention of her hospital transfer was carried out by order of the head of the prison organization: “Due to the instability of Vasmaghi’s heart condition, she was supposed to be transferred from Evin Prison to Pars Hospital on Monday. This decision was approved by the head of prison health and the head of Evin Prison. Nevertheless, it was prevented. It was announced again that she would be transferred to the hospital on Tuesday, something that has not been possible to this day.”

Political-religious prisoners, human rights activists, protesters, lawyers, and other individuals opposed to the Islamic Republic system detained in Iranian prisons, particularly Evin Prison, are subject to severe pressure, harassment, abuse, and torture by prison officials. Many of them who suffer from illness are denied medical care and treatment. In numerous cases, some have lost their lives due to lack of medical attention, with prison authorities concealing news of their deaths.