Mehran Gharebaghi, a political prisoner held at Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz, has entered his sixth year of incarceration. Despite his urgent need for medical attention, prison authorities have reportedly denied him access to necessary healthcare. Gharebaghi, who has long suffered from eye problems, has only been provided with basic eye drops and has not been referred to specialized medical centers, worsening his condition.
Arrest and Initial Incarceration
Mehran Gharebaghi was arrested on January 18, 2020, by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Behbahan. Following a period of interrogation and alleged torture, he was transferred to Behbahan Prison. In December 2021, he was moved to Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz.
In May 2023, after spending three years in legal limbo, the Revolutionary Court of Mahshahr sentenced him to 10 years and 1 month in prison. The charges against him included “membership in opposition groups,” “propaganda against the regime,” and “insulting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.”
Additional Punishments
In addition to his prison sentence, Gharebaghi was handed a series of supplementary punishments, including:
- Two years of forced residence in Taft, Yazd Province,
- Two years’ prohibition from joining political or social groups,
- Two years’ travel ban outside the country.
Of the total sentence, 6 years and 3 months in prison and the supplementary punishments are enforceable. His appeal for sentence consolidation, filed with the Supreme Court, remains unanswered.
Health Issues and Denial of Medical Care
Gharebaghi’s family has repeatedly requested his transfer back to Behbahan Prison to facilitate visits and improve his living conditions. However, these requests have been denied by provincial intelligence officials. The distance and limited resources make it nearly impossible for his family to visit him. Meanwhile, Sheiban Prison authorities have refused to provide adequate medical care.
In addition to his eye condition, Gharebaghi has been diagnosed with heart problems. He has also suffered from other ailments, including a scabies outbreak in prison due to unsanitary conditions. Despite his deteriorating health, he has not been provided with proper treatment or even prescription glasses suited to his needs.
Gharebaghi’s case highlights systemic issues within Iran’s penal system, including the mistreatment of political prisoners and the use of additional charges to prolong incarceration.
