This report provides a detailed account of the conditions in the women’s ward of Lakan Prison in Rasht, highlighting the daily struggles and systemic issues faced by the inmates. The insights are based on first-hand experiences and observations within the prison.
Daily Life and Routine
The monotonous routine of moving between the cramped ward and the small outdoor yard marks the daily life of the inmates. This repetition becomes a constant reminder of the life they have left behind and the limited freedom they now endure. The ward’s suffocating atmosphere contrasts sharply with the open sky, underscoring the stark reality of their confinement.
Physical Layout and Conditions
The women’s ward of Lakan Prison, the only such facility in Gilan province, serves as a de facto exile due to its 250-kilometer distance from the province’s farthest points. This distance makes family visits rare and challenging, exacerbated by the difficult travel conditions in Gilan, particularly in the rainy seasons.
The ward comprises four narrow corridors with double-decker metal beds lined up along the sides, housing about 30 inmates per corridor. The separation of inmates based on their crimes is not strictly observed, leading to increased tensions and conflicts among prisoners with different backgrounds and anxiety levels.
Quarantine and Facilities
The quarantine section, called “Kanon,” is intended for new arrivals during their first ten days and for short-term detainees. This section includes a 50-square-meter outdoor area. A so-called “kindergarten” is also provided for children who accompany their mothers due to a lack of other guardians, although it lacks proper facilities for children.
Other sections include:
- Etekaf Section: Originally for women accused of illicit relationships, now housing those with various offenses.
- Shakibayi Section: Typically for financial crimes.
- “Kosar” (Employment) Section: Mostly for those with long-term sentences or severe crimes, including many working inmates.
Entry and Security Procedures
The entrance to the women’s ward opens into a small reception area where new arrivals undergo a stringent and humiliating body search process, including stripping and physical examinations. These procedures are repeated for any return from court hearings or external transfers, despite being against prison regulations.
Living Conditions
The physical space allocated to the women’s ward is grossly inadequate, reflecting broader societal marginalization. The food provided is of poor quality and insufficient quantity, especially for those with special dietary needs. Weekly rations are meager, and fresh produce is rarely available unless purchased by inmates at inflated prices.
Hygiene
In Lakan prison, instead of installing clotheslines, old clothes are used, leading to the spread of various infections.
The proximity to the polluted forests of Saravan also has detrimental effects on the prisoners’ health.
The prison water is very bad in smell and taste and is unhealthy. Only prisoners with financial means can buy bottled water.
The monthly hygiene item quota includes a low-quality sanitary pad pack, half a pack of laundry detergent, a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and a razor blade. Items like underwear, towels, and slippers have been removed from distribution.
Due to neglect in fumigation and keeping items on the ground, the prison is full of cockroaches and ants. The only hygiene measure is daily sweeping and washing of the bathroom, which is done by the prisoners.
Work and Education
Employment opportunities in the prison are limited to activities such as painting pottery, carpet weaving, and sewing medical gowns. These jobs provide minimal income, are often delayed and insufficient, and lack basic labor protections. Educational resources are scarce, with a small selection of books primarily comprising religious texts and low-quality novels.
Social Interaction and Restrictions
Phone calls and visits are severely restricted, with brief and infrequent allowances that do not suffice for meaningful communication with loved ones. The physical setup of the visiting areas further limits personal interactions, adding to the emotional strain on inmates.
Healthcare
Healthcare services are inadequate, with limited access to necessary medications and medical professionals. Emergency and specialized care are hard to come by, and routine medical needs are often unmet. The prison’s dental services are rudimentary and provided by unqualified personnel.
Conclusion
The women’s ward of Lakan Prison presents a stark picture of the harsh realities faced by female inmates. The systemic issues within the prison, from inadequate living conditions to insufficient healthcare and limited social interactions, highlight the broader challenges within the penitentiary system.
