The 13th week of hunger strike by prisoners in Qezel Hesar and elsewhere
In a shocking incident at Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, female guards humiliated and assaulted the wife of a political prisoner under the guise of a body search. This incident highlights the ongoing abuse and mistreatment of political prisoners and their families within the facility.
The brutality of this incident was so severe that the victim experienced bleeding and psychological trauma. The guards involved, identified as Fatemeh Sadat Rasoul and Zahra Sadat Rasoul, are relatives of the prison’s head of security, Sadat Rasoul.
This assault sparked outrage among the inmates. Reports from within the prison indicate that in response, guards led by Sadat Rasoul prepared to attack inmates in Unit 1, Hall 7.
In the meantime, prisoners in Qezel Hesar and other prisons, including the women’s ward of Evin, held their hunger strike today, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, for the 13th consecutive week in protest of the spree of executions taking place in this prison and others across the country.
Who is Sadat Rasoul?
Sadat Rasoul has been the head of security at Qezel Hesar Prison for over nine years, using his position to inflict both physical and psychological torture on prisoners and their families. Alongside Fatemeh and Zahra, another relative, Asadollah Sadat Rasoul, is involved in harassing prisoners’ families during visits.
Sadat Rasoul is also implicated in orchestrating the smuggling of drugs into the prison. Reports suggest that over 90% of the drugs consumed in the prison are brought in by his network.
Prisoners leak video on weekly executions in Qezel Hesar
On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, inmates from Unit 1, Hall 7 released a video revealing that 10 to 20 prisoners are executed weekly in Qezel Hesar Prison. They voiced their opposition to the oppressive measures enforced by the prison’s security, highlighting the severe conditions they endure.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, guards were once again preparing to assault inmates in Unit 1, Hall 7. Inmates continue to report that guards, under the direction of Sadat Rasoul, are equipped with clubs and weapons, positioning themselves on the prison roof in anticipation of an attack.
All forms of communication and recreation for inmates in Unit 1 have been suspended.
Need for investigation of abuses in Qezel Hesar
The ongoing abuses in Qezel Hesar Prison, particularly under the direction of Sadat Rasoul, represent severe human rights violations. The mistreatment of political prisoners and their families, coupled with the alleged drug trafficking facilitated by prison officials, demands immediate attention and intervention from human rights organizations and international bodies.
