The longest-held political prisoners by the names of Saeed Masouri, Afshin Baymani, Hamzeh Savari Lofteh, and Motalleb Ahmadian were recently transferred from Gohardasht (aka Rajaii Shahr) Prison to Evin Prison, without adhering to the principle of separating crimes in this prison. These prisoners were moved to the ward with strict security measures on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, with only one set of clothes. Due to overcrowding, some of them are sleeping on the floor and enduring difficult conditions.
According to a reliable source, Saeed Masouri, Afshin Baymani, and Mottaleb Ahmadian are detained in Hall 10, Ward 8 of Evin Prison, while Hamzeh Savari is in Hall 9, Ward 8 of Evin Prison.
Ward 8 of Evin Prison consists of four halls, each with a maximum capacity of 72 prisoners. However, currently, each hall accommodates more than 120 prisoners, leading to overcrowding and many prisoners having to sleep on the floor.
Due to the high population density, the facilities in these wards, such as the number of sanitary services, bathrooms, cooling systems, and telephones, are insufficient to meet the needs of all the prisoners. The sanitary conditions of the wards are reported to be severe, with infestations of lice and bedbugs.
A source close to the prisoners stated that over the years of their imprisonment, they had purchased personal belongings at their own expense, which were confiscated during the transfer, and they were not allowed to bring their personal items with them. They were deprived of their personal belongings, including clothes and medications, during the transfer process.
All these issues occur in the conditions faced by these prisoners, who are among the longest-held political prisoners in Iran, having been imprisoned in Iranian prisons for a period ranging from 12 to 22 years.
Political prisoner Afshin Baymani – Date of arrest: September 5, 2000 – Duration of sentence: Life imprisonment – Charge: Supporting the Mujahedin Organization through advocacy – He has been in prison for over 22 years.
Political prisoner Saeed Masouri – Date of arrest: January 8, 2001- Duration of sentence: Life imprisonment – Charge: Engaging in combat through membership in the Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization of Iran – He has been in prison for 22 years.
Political prisoner Hamzeh Savari – Date of arrest: September 2, 2005 – Duration of sentence: Life imprisonment – Charge: Engaging in combat through supporting the Ahvazis – He was arrested at the age of 16 and has been in prison for 17 years.
Political prisoner Motalleb Ahmadian – Date of arrest: October 5, 2010 – Duration of sentence: 32 years – Charge: Engaging in combat through membership in Komalah – He has been in prison for 12 years. Due to torture during interrogations and the conditions in prison, he is partially paralyzed and suffers from various illnesses.
It should be noted that in the past year, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of Iran’s Judiciary, ordered the head of the Prisons’ Organization to make the necessary preparations for the “closure” of the current building of Gohardasht (Rajaii Shahr) Prison in Karaj.
Finally, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, the Iranian Judiciary’s Media Center announced the complete evacuation and closure of Gohardasht (Rajaii Shahr)Prison in Karaj.
