Zeinab Jalalian, the only female political prisoner in Iran serving a life sentence, continues to suffer from deteriorating health and systematic denial of medical treatment in the 18th year of her sentence.
Currently held in Yazd Central Prison, Zeinab Jalalian endures chronic kidney problems, severe localized pain, and now widespread skin lesions. Despite her worsening condition, prison authorities persist in blocking her access to specialized medical services.
In July 2024, following an acute shooting pain in her right side, Ms. Jalalian was transferred to the prison infirmary. However, she was returned to her ward after receiving only superficial treatment and without examination by a specialist. Prison authorities have neither arranged the necessary medical tests nor authorized her transfer to a hospital, fueling grave concerns about her long-term health.
Beyond medical neglect, Zeinab Jalalian continues to face security pressures. In June 2024, intelligence agents met with her twice, conditioning her access to outside medical care on signing a “letter of repentance.” She refused, denouncing the demand as a form of torture and a blatant violation of her fundamental rights, insisting that medical care is a legal entitlement and must not be weaponized for political coercion. This pattern of abuse echoes an earlier incident in November 2023, when authorities threatened to strip her of her basic rights, including healthcare, unless she expressed remorse.
Who is Zeinab Jalalian?
Zeinab Jalalian was arrested in 2007 and, in 2009, was sentenced to one year in prison for illegal border crossing. Additionally, she was sentenced to death on charges of “enmity against God” for alleged membership in opposition groups. Her death sentence was upheld by the appeals court and the Supreme Court but later commuted to life imprisonment.
She has repeatedly stated that during her detention, she was subjected to severe torture, including being flogged on the soles of her feet, punched in the stomach, having her head slammed against walls, and being threatened with sexual assault.