The health condition of Ayda Najaflou, an imprisoned Christian convert and prisoner of conscience in Tehran’s Evin Prison, has reached a critical stage, with doctors warning of the imminent risk of spinal cord damage that could lead to permanent paralysis.
Her condition deteriorated significantly after falling from her bunk bed and undergoing emergency spinal surgery.
Following the procedure at a hospital in Tajrish, Ayda Najaflou was transferred back to Evin Prison without recovery. However, the lack of sanitary conditions and the absence of proper medical facilities led to a severe infection at the surgical site, forcing another emergency transfer to the hospital.
Her attending physician has strongly warned that returning her to prison under the current circumstances could directly result in spinal cord severance and irreversible paralysis.
Mrs. Najaflou has previously suffered from chronic health issues, including osteoporosis and lupus. Despite her urgent and ongoing need for specialized medical care, she remains deprived of adequate treatment inside the prison system.
Mrs. Najaflou was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.
Background
Ayda Najaflou was arrested in February 2025 by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence, interrogated in Ward 209 of Evin Prison, and held in the women’s ward since April 2025. She faces charges of “propaganda against the state,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “establishing a house church.” She remains deprived of the right to free access to legal counsel and maintain regular contact with her family.
Although Christianity is officially recognized as a minority religion under the Constitution of the Iranian regime, Iranian security agencies treat the conversion of Muslims to Christianity with particular sensitivity and often respond with harsh and punitive measures.