Welcome to the NCRI Women’s Committee podcast! Here, we uncover stories of resilience and injustice—stories that demand our attention. Today, we’re shining a light on the dire conditions faced by women imprisoned in Iran’s Qarchak Prison.
Let’s dive in. Qarchak Prison—it’s been called one of the most notorious facilities in Iran. Why is it so infamous?
It really lives up to that reputation. Qarchak is the only all-women’s prison in Iran, located in Varamin, about 35 kilometers southeast of Tehran. But it’s far from being a place of rehabilitation. Overcrowding, filthy living conditions, and the mistreatment of inmates make it a living nightmare.
And we’re talking about political prisoners here too, right?
Yes, many inmates are political prisoners or activists who’ve committed no crime other than speaking out. But they’re lumped in with dangerous criminals. It’s a blatant violation of the principle of separating prisoners by crime type, and the regime does it deliberately.
Why would they do that?
To pile on the pressure. It’s psychological torture. Imagine being a political prisoner and having to fear attacks from violent criminals constantly. The regime essentially uses these criminals to intimidate and even harm activists. It’s a way to kill or severely injure political prisoners without taking the blame.
That’s horrifying. Let’s talk about the living conditions. What’s it really like inside?
Honestly? It’s worse than you can imagine. Qarchak is severely overcrowded—each section is designed to hold 100–120 inmates, but there are over 2,000 women crammed in there. The shared rooms are tiny, with up to 12 women packed into each one.
And what about basic facilities?
Grossly inadequate. Each section has just six bathrooms and seven toilets—for hundreds of women. The floors are often covered in urine, and the bathrooms are disgusting. Drinking water? Forget it. The water supply is brackish and unfit for use. Even the food is unsafe—there are reports of meals containing stones or being spoiled.
That’s appalling. And what happens when someone gets sick in such conditions?
Medical care is practically nonexistent. Doctors are rarely available, and when they are, their equipment is unreliable. Women with serious illnesses often suffer for days—or worse—because they’re denied treatment.
Do you have any examples of this?
Sadly, yes. Just recently, on January 11, a prisoner named Farzaneh Bijanipour died in Ward 6. She begged for medical care, but the authorities ignored her worsening condition until it was too late.
That’s heartbreaking. And political prisoners face even more cruelty, don’t they?
Absolutely. Political prisoners like Maryam Akbari Monfared endure relentless repression. She’s been in prison for over 15 years and hasn’t been allowed in-person visits with her family—not even with her daughters, who’ve grown up without her.
That’s unimaginable—for her and for her family.
Exactly. And Maryam’s situation goes deeper. She’s been a fierce advocate for justice, demanding answers about her siblings who were executed during the 1988 massacre. For her courage, the regime punishes her by denying medical care and cutting her off from her loved ones.
She sounds incredibly brave.
She really is. Maryam’s story is just one example of how Qarchak operates—not just as a detention center, but as a tool of oppression.
It’s a microcosm of the regime’s larger disregard for human rights.
Precisely. Qarchak embodies the systemic injustice women face under the Iranian regime.
So, what can the international community do to help?
First, we need to raise awareness and amplify the voices of these women. Sanctions targeting officials responsible for these abuses can make a difference, and supporting organizations that expose these violations is vital.
And recognizing the fight of the Iranian people to bring about real change is key too.
Exactly. The women of Iran are incredibly brave, and they need us to keep pushing for their dignity and freedom.
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Thank you for joining us, and thank you to our listeners for tuning in. Change starts with awareness, and by sharing stories like these, we can make a difference. If you found this episode informative, please share it. For more information, visit our website at wncri.org.
Until next time, stay informed and stay compassionate.
