Urmia Central Prison, also known as Darya Prison, is located 5 kilometers from Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Established in 1969, the prison is notorious for its severe overcrowding, inhumane conditions, and systemic abuse of prisoners. This report focuses on the conditions faced by female inmates within the facility.
Women’s Ward
The women’s ward of Urmia Central Prison is situated in a large hall divided into eight rooms by low walls. Each room houses approximately 20 inmates. Nevertheless, there are only 16 beds per room, forcing many women to sleep on the floor. The overcrowded conditions are exacerbated by the lack of basic amenities, with only five functioning toilets and three showers available for all the women. Hot water is frequently unavailable, and inmates often shower with cold water.
Children residing with their mothers in this ward are at a high risk of contracting gastrointestinal and skin diseases due to unsanitary conditions. The cramped and dirty environment is especially harmful to these children, who are particularly vulnerable to infections and other health issues.
Most women in this ward are incarcerated for crimes such as drug trafficking, illicit relationships, fraud, theft, and both premeditated and accidental murder. Despite the principle of separation of crimes, female inmates are often held alongside dangerous offenders, further endangering their safety.
Healthcare and Medical Treatment
Healthcare in Urmia Central Prison is severely inadequate, particularly for female inmates. The medical clinic serves the women’s ward only once a month, and the general physician merely conducts brief examinations, typically prescribing basic painkillers. There is no specialized medical care available, and critical medical conditions often go untreated. The dentist visits once every six months, forcing inmates with dental issues to endure prolonged pain.
Injections are rationed, and outdated medications are often administered, resulting in severe health deterioration among inmates. The lack of access to proper medical care and the administration of expired drugs have led to severe health consequences, including permanent disabilities for some prisoners.
Living Conditions and Hygiene
The living conditions for female inmates in Urmia Central Prison are dire. Maintaining hygiene is a significant challenge with only five toilets and three showers for the entire women’s ward. Hot water is rarely available, and inmates often bathe with cold water. Each prisoner receives half a kilogram of detergent every two months and one 250-gram bar of low-quality soap per month, which is insufficient for maintaining basic cleanliness.
The overcrowded conditions mean that many women have to sleep on the floor in unsanitary areas, close to restrooms and washbasins. This situation leads to a high incidence of skin and respiratory illnesses among the inmates. The limited access to water and hygiene products exacerbates these health problems, creating a cycle of illness and inadequate care.
Food Quality and Availability
The quality of food provided to female inmates is extremely poor, often undercooked and insufficient in quantity. The weekly meal plan includes minimal protein, with only two servings of chicken shared among many inmates. Each prisoner receives only 2.5 pieces of flatbread daily and half a scoop of rice per meal. The lack of nutritious food contributes to the overall poor health of the inmates.
The prison store, operated by the Hami store chain, sells overpriced, low-quality, and often expired goods. Fresh produce and basic staples are rarely available, forcing inmates to rely on inadequate prison meals.
Family Visits and Communication
Family visits for female inmates are restricted to once a month for 20 minutes. Many inmates face difficulties in receiving essential supplies from their families due to bureaucratic hurdles. Communication with the outside world is often cut off to prevent information about prison conditions from leaking out. This isolation adds to the psychological stress and trauma experienced by the inmates.
Conclusion
The conditions faced by female prisoners in Urmia Central Prison are severe and inhumane. Overcrowding, inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, and systemic abuse are rampant. Female inmates, in particular, suffer from a lack of basic necessities and adequate care, underscoring the need for immediate intervention and systemic changes to improve their living conditions and ensure their basic human rights are respected.
