Urmia; Self-immolation of a protesting prisoner and mistreatment by prison guards led to a clash and fire in the prison
A prisoner in Urmia Prison set himself on fire this evening, Wednesday, December 25, in protest of his condition. Following this incident, guards at Urmia Prison entered the ward and beat the prisoner. The mistreatment by the guards led to a clash and protests by other prisoners residing in Dormitories 1-2 of Urmia Prison, and a fire broke out in the ward.
According to HRANA News Agency, the news agency of the Human Rights Activists in Iran, a prisoner in Urmia Prison committed self-immolation this evening, Wednesday, December 25, 2020, in protest of his condition.
This prisoner, whose identity was confirmed by HRANA as “Hojat Kazemnejad from dormitory 1-2 of Urmia Prison,” attempted self-immolation this morning in front of the prison guard’s room and suffered burns on one of his legs and was transferred to the prison’s infirmary for treatment. After receiving superficial treatment, he was transferred to the prison guard’s room and attempted self-immolation once again. This turned violent when guards entered the prison.
A source familiar with the prisoner’s condition told HRANA: “Mr. Kazemnejad put a plaster on his head this morning and set himself on fire in front of the guards. The guards transferred him to the prison infirmary and after removing the plaster, they gave him superficial treatment. However, after being transferred to the guards’ room, the prisoner attempted to self-immolate again. Following this, the prison guards beat him. Other prisoners in dormitories 1-2 also set fire to their dormitory blankets and clothes in protest. The room filled with smoke, but the guards did not allow the prisoners to open the doors. The prisoners also broke the windows to prevent suffocation.”
As the clashes escalated, prison officials have cut off the prison's phones. According to this informed source, guards have tried twice to enter the prison using stun guns and tear gas, but have been unsuccessful. Guards and soldiers have now gone to the roof and the prison hall, and the prison doors are still closed.
Mr. Kazemnejad, who was sentenced to 1 year in prison on charges of mass brawling, went on a hunger strike on November 17, 18 days after the end of his sentence and his release was prevented, demanding his release from prison by sewing his lips. He ended his strike two days later with the promise of favorable treatment from the authorities.
It is said that the court, in response to the follow-up of this prisoner and his family, claimed that his file was lost.
Hojjat Kazemnejad, 33 years old, married, lives in dormitory 1-2 of Urmia Prison.
Source: Radio Farda
