Nasrin Sotoudeh's coronavirus test positive

Nasrin Sotoudeh's husband, Reza Khandan, announced in a note posted on social media that his wife had contracted COVID-19. Nasrin Sotoudeh, the imprisoned lawyer, was released on bail four days ago to continue her treatment.

Reza Khandan wrote on Facebook on Tuesday evening, November 10: "Last Wednesday, during my first meeting with Nasrin in Qarchak Prison, she said that the coronavirus had arrived in our ward and many people had fallen ill. That's why she was in a hurry to follow up on her leave work."

Mr. Khandan added: "Yesterday [Monday] we went to the hospital for Nasrin's heart problem. Before doing the heart test, they suggested that we both take a coronavirus test. Today, Nasrin's test result was announced positive. My test results are not ready yet."

Nasrin Sotoudeh was recently transferred (about three weeks ago) from Evin Women’s Ward to Qarchak Prison. This was at a time when the lawyer and human rights activist was in serious need of medical care. According to Ms. Sotoudeh’s husband, the transfer was made without notice and in an unusual manner.

Nasrin Sotoudeh's husband wrote: "The judicial authorities and the prison organization, aware of the unsanitary and catastrophic conditions of Qarchak Prison, transferred her from Evin Prison there for no reason and exposed her to the virus despite her severe illness and weakness."

According to Reza Khandan, Nasrin Sotoudeh was told she was going to be taken to the hospital, but she was instead transferred to Qarchak Prison, one of the most notorious prisons in Iran.

Nasrin Sotoudeh has been sentenced to 38 years in prison for her defense of political prisoners and her representation in several cases known as the "Daughters of the Revolution." She has been charged with "gathering and colluding against national security, spreading lies and disturbing public opinion," and "encouraging corruption and prostitution and providing the conditions for it." She can be released on parole after serving 12 years.

Ms. Sotoudeh had been on a hunger strike before being transferred to Qarchak Prison and was in poor physical condition. She was released on bail four days ago to continue her treatment.

Source: DW