[52194] Women detained in Vakilabad prison in Mashhad are held in harsh conditions

Detained women face appalling prison conditions in Iran

According to a report by Iran International, known for its sharp criticism of the Islamic Republic regime, at least 30 women arrested during last January's protests and following the security escalation with Israel and the US, are being held in harsh conditions in the "Calm Ward" (Aramesh) and the quarantine facility at Vakilabad prison in the city of Mashhad.

The human rights organization HRANA reports that the prisoners are facing a severe lack of basic infrastructure, including a lack of proper ventilation, poor hygiene conditions, and a shortage of beds and medical care. One of the recently released prisoners described the ward as an "ant nest," due to it being underground, closed, and windowless, a situation leading to respiratory problems and panic attacks among the detainees.

Among the detainees are Mahboubeh Shaabani, Sima Anbayi Farimani, and Aghar Yaho, who are being held without trial in Ward 6. According to Iran International, serious charges are pending against them, including "Moharebeh" (enmity against God) and "contact with Israel." Iranian officials refuse to allow them access to legal representation and are keeping them in complete isolation from the outside world.

At the same time, this situation is occurring against the backdrop of a wave of executions in Iran. According to reports also covered by the پیام ایران channel, at least 28 political prisoners have been executed over the past 50 days. Furthermore, 63 Iranian parliament members issued a statement in which they expressed support for the judicial system for carrying out these death sentences, and even called for harsher punishment against the "main elements" of the protests.