Urumiyeh: Self-immolation of protesting prisoner and prison guard mistreatment lead to clashes and fire in prison

A prisoner in Urumiyeh Prison set himself on fire on Wednesday afternoon, November 26, in protest of his conditions. Following this incident, Urumiyeh Prison Guard personnel entered the ward and beat the prisoner. The mistreatment by prison guards led to clashes and protests by other prisoners in dormitory 1-2 of Urumiyeh Prison and a fire in the ward.

According to Hrana news agency, the news organ of the Iranian human rights activists collective, on Wednesday, November 26, 1399, a prisoner in Urumiyeh Prison set himself on fire in the afternoon as a protest against his conditions.

This prisoner, whose identity was confirmed by Hrana as “Hejat Kazem Nejad from dormitory 1-2 of Urumiyeh Prison,” set himself on fire this morning in front of the prison officer’s room, suffering burns to one of his legs, and was transferred to the prison clinic for treatment. After receiving superficial treatment, he was transferred to the officer’s room and set himself on fire again. An incident that escalated into violence with the entry of prison guards into the ward.

An informed source regarding this prisoner’s conditions told Hrana: “Mr. Kazem Nejad wrapped his head in plaster this morning and set himself on fire in front of the officer’s room. Officers transferred him to the prison clinic and after removing the plaster, they provided superficial treatment to his head. However, this prisoner, after being transferred to the officer’s room, set himself on fire again. As a result, prison guard officers beat him. Other prisoners in dormitory 1-2 also protested by setting their bedding and clothes on fire. The room became filled with smoke but officers would not allow prisoners to open the doors. Prisoners broke the windows to prevent suffocation.”

With the escalation of clashes, prison authorities cut off the prison’s telephone lines. According to this informed source, prison guards have attempted twice so far to enter the ward using tasers and tear gas but have been unsuccessful. Currently, prison guard officers and soldiers have moved to the prison roof and hallway, and the ward doors remain closed.

Mr. Kazem Nejad, who was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of group assault, on November 18, eighteen days after the end of his sentence and preventing his release, went on a hunger strike by stitching his lips together demanding his freedom. Two days later, with favorable promises from officials, he ended his strike.

It is said that in response to this prisoner’s and his family’s follow-ups, the court claimed his file has been lost.

Hejat Kazem Nejad, 33 years old and married, is being held in dormitory 1-2 of Urumiyeh Prison.

Source: Radio Farda