Morgan Ortagus's reaction to Nasrin Sotoudeh's transfer from Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison

The US State Department spokesperson reacted to the transfer of Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights defender, from Evin Prison to Qarchak Prison in Varamin.

Morgan Ortagus tweeted on Thursday, November 2: "Instead of providing Nasrin Sotoudeh with immediate access to medical care, the Iranian regime has transferred her to the infamous Qarchak prison, known for its flagrant human rights violations."

Ms. Ortega added: "Nasrin and many other prisoners of conscience are an inspiration to us all in the face of this disregard for human dignity."

Reza Khandan, Nasrin Sotoudeh's husband, told VOA on Wednesday, October 20: "On Tuesday, October 19, officers stationed at Evin Prison, without any prior notice, through lies and deceit, transferred Nasrin Sotoudeh to Qarchak Prison in Varamin, known as the women's prison, with the intention of sending her to a hospital outside the prison. Ms. Sotoudeh has not been given any explanation regarding the reason for her deportation to this prison."

Mr. Khandan added: "This transfer was carried out with deception and with the intention of transferring her to the hospital, while Ms. Sotoudeh did not transfer any of her belongings, including the clothes and other personal belongings she had in Evin Prison, to Qarchak Prison with her."

Robert Menendez, a senior US senator, also tweeted on September 10 that Iranian human rights defender Nasrin Sotoudeh should never have been imprisoned in the first place. He continued his tweet by writing, “Iran must immediately and unconditionally release Nasrin Sotoudeh and end her hunger strike before her condition worsens.”

Previously, the US State Department's Office of Women's Affairs also announced its support and expressed deep concern for the health of Nasrin Sotoudeh, calling on the Iranian regime to release this imprisoned human rights lawyer and all political prisoners who have been unjustly detained.