Political prisoner Sara Jahani’s recent ordeal in Lakan Prison, Rasht, highlights severe human rights abuses. Despite her medical condition and legal requirements for her treatment, prison authorities have neglected her urgent healthcare needs, raising serious concerns about the treatment of political detainees in Iran.
On Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Sara Jahani, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), experienced a severe muscle spasm in Lakan Prison, causing her to lose control of her legs and fall face-first onto the ground. This incident resulted in a head injury above her eye, requiring immediate medical attention. Her head also struck a wall during the fall, necessitating an examination in a hospital outside the prison.
Neglect of Medical Care
Despite the severity of her injuries, prison officials denied her access to adequate medical care. No physician attended to her wounds; instead, a mere assistant nurse provided minimal treatment by stitching her wounds.
This inadequate response sparked protests among fellow inmates, which were ignored by prison authorities. Given the significant bleeding and head trauma, she should have been under medical supervision, highlighting the negligence of the prison’s medical staff.
Details of the Injury
Sara Jahani bled profusely from the injury above her eye and from her mouth. In such cases, the minimum requirement is to transfer the injured person to a hospital for clinical actions and scans. Sara Jahani’s condition, compounded by her MS, makes it imperative that she receives proper medical attention, which the prison authorities have blatantly ignored.
Legal and Medical Background
Sara Jahani was arrested by security forces on August 16, 2023. After her interrogation period ended in October 2023, she was released on bail. Her court session, held on March 1, 2024, resulted in a sentence of 6 years, 1 month, and 17 days in prison for membership in a group, assembly, and collusion aimed at disturbing national security. The Gilan Province Appeals Court later upheld the verdict.
According to the verdict, Zohreh Dadras was sentenced to 6 years and 1 day for “forming an illegal group against security” and 3 years, 6 months, and 1 day for “assembly and collusion,” totaling 9 years, 6 months, and 2 days of imprisonment. Under the law of cumulative sentences, the most severe sentence will be enforceable.
Zahra Dadras was sentenced to 3 years, 6 months, and 1 day for “assembly and collusion with the intent to disrupt national security” and 2 years, 7 months, and 16 days for “membership in an illegal group,” totaling 6 years, 1 month, and 17 days of imprisonment. According to the law of cumulative sentences, the most severe sentence, equal to 3 years, 6 months, and 1 day, will be enforceable.
Additionally, other defendants in this case were sentenced to imprisonment. Forough Samii Nia, Sara Jahani, Yasamin Hashdari, Shiva Shah Siah, Negin Rezaei, Azadeh Chavoshian, and Matin Yazdani were each sentenced to six years, one month, and seventeen days in prison. Jelveh Javaheri and Hooman Taheri were each sentenced to one year in prison.
Continued Detention Despite Medical Condition
Sara’s re-arrest and transfer to Lakan Prison occurred when she visited the Rudsar Court’s Enforcement Branch No. 5. Security agencies and judicial authorities disregarded her forensic medical file and the serious nature of her MS, which necessitates ongoing medical care.
Human Rights Violations
The deliberate denial of medical care to prisoners like Sara Jahani constitutes torture and a violation of human rights. Such actions are classified as international crimes and are vehemently condemned by international human rights and humanitarian laws.
The refusal to allow medical treatment not only violates the Iranian regime’s domestic laws but also breaches international treaties to which it is a signatory.
The case of Sara Jahani is a stark reminder of the plight of political prisoners in Iran. It underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to protect the rights and well-being of individuals detained for their political beliefs.
The international community must hold the Iranian regime accountable for its human rights violations and ensure that detainees like Sara Jahani receive the medical care and humane treatment they deserve. The situation demands immediate action to prevent further suffering and uphold the principles of justice and human dignity.
Call to Action
The plight of Sara Jahani calls for increased pressure on Iranian authorities from global human rights organizations and governments worldwide. Activists and diplomats must unite to advocate for her immediate release and medical treatment, as well as for systemic reforms to prevent similar injustices.
It is crucial to ensure that cases like hers receive the international scrutiny they deserve.
