Reports from Evin Prison point to a sharp increase in pressure on political detainees, particularly imprisoned women held in the women’s ward.
According to these accounts, the prison’s director has issued a new directive banning any participation by female prisoners in the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign and has threatened punitive measures, including transfer to solitary confinement and the suspension of phone calls.
Efforts to Halt the “No to Execution Tuesdays” Campaign
Following the implementation of this directive in the women’s ward, any form of protest, hunger strike, or even chanting by prisoners is expected to trigger a severe response. One of the central aims of these new restrictions appears to be halting the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign, an initiative led by political prisoners to protest death sentences and draw public attention to the issue.
Prison authorities have warned that participation in the campaign will result not only in solitary confinement but also in the loss of telephone privileges. These threats underscore a broader effort to contain and prevent the spread of the movement within the prison.
Solitary Confinement as a Tool of Coercion
Solitary confinement remains a well-documented method of exerting pressure on detainees. The threat of its use in response to protest activities suggests an attempt to foster an atmosphere of intimidation and control among prisoners.
Communication Restrictions as Additional Pressure
Alongside the threat of isolation, the directive places significant emphasis on restricting phone contact. This measure increases pressure not only on prisoners but also on their families, who are left in a state of heightened uncertainty and distress. Contact with family members is widely regarded as a basic right of detainees, and limiting it carries serious humanitarian implications.
Growing Concerns Over Conditions in Evin Prison
Taking these measures has intensified concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in Evin Prison. The tightening of restrictions in response to protest activity reflects a highly securitized and tense environment within the facility.
