Shirin Ebadi Calls for Immediate Medical Treatment for Mohshar Parvin, Christian Prisoner
Shirin Ebadi, human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, expressed concern over the physical condition of Mohshar Parvin, a Christian prisoner detained in Evin Prison, and called for his immediate access to medical services. This comes as independent international reports indicate that the prisoner suffers from heart disease and has two tumors, including a mass near the cerebellum, and has been deprived of surgery and specialized treatment.
Shirin Ebadi, in a message regarding the condition of Mohshar Parvin, a Christian prisoner held in Evin Prison, expressed concern about his continued deprivation of medical care and emphasized the necessity of immediate attention to this prisoner’s situation.
Meanwhile, examination of reports published in media outlets and Christian and human rights organizations outside Iran shows that Mohshar Parvin’s medical condition had previously raised serious concerns.
According to reports published by Article 18 and Middle East Concern, Parvin, a painter and artist in his early 50s, suffers from heart disease and two tumors. One of these tumors is located near the cerebellum and has reportedly affected his balance, movement, and speech. The other tumor is located in the throat area, and according to sources, its growth has been observable.
Subsequent reports indicate that this Christian prisoner’s condition has remained without the necessary specialized care. According to these reports, the prison doctor determined that cardiac angiography and tumor surgery were necessary. Sources have also warned of continued tumor growth and the risk of damage to the vision of one of his eyes.
Church in Chains, a Christian organization based in Ireland, also reported on this case, stating that the prison doctor deemed cardiac angiography and tumor surgery necessary. However, after Parvin was sent to a hospital for testing, he was returned to prison without receiving treatment. The organization also reported continued tumor growth and the possibility of damage to his vision.
Mohshar Parvin, also known as Mohaddess Parvin, is described as the mother of a teenage boy and head of household. She was previously sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Revolutionary Court. Shirin Ebadi, noting that there is little prominent media coverage or visibility of Mohshar Parvin, emphasized the importance of bringing attention to her situation.
She stated in this regard: “This obscurity should not cause her story to be lost among the flood of news.” Ebadi also emphasized: “Being a prisoner does not deprive anyone of the right to treatment, and illness does not wait for judicial officials’ decisions.”
She continued: “Perhaps we do not have a picture of Mohshar Parvin, but we should not allow her remaining faceless and voiceless to also hide her life from view. Mohshar Parvin must immediately be released from prison for treatment. Let us remember her name; even if we do not yet know her face.”
Overall, reports published by various sources show that concerns about Mohshar Parvin’s medical condition are not limited to a single internal report, and Christian and human rights organizations outside Iran have also warned about her deprivation of medical care. Middle East Concern has asked Christians to pray for her health and freedom, and emphasized that prison authorities must provide access to necessary treatment and required surgery.
