On March 20, 2025, a Baloch prisoner named Karim Rigi passed away in Adelabad Prison, Shiraz, due to cardiac arrest and failure to receive timely medical attention. This incident once again highlights the inadequate medical services in Iranian prisons and raises serious concerns about prisoners’ rights.
Life in Legal Uncertainty and Poor Prison Conditions
Karim Rigi, 55 years old, son of Ata Mohammad, was a resident of Zahedan, married, and a father of five. He had been arrested in 2021 on drug-related charges and had spent the past three years in the general ward of Adelabad Prison without a final verdict being issued. His legal uncertainty, combined with the poor prison conditions, had put him at serious risk.
Lack of Medical Care and Delay in Hospital Transfer
According to received reports, Karim Rigi experienced severe pain before his death and was transferred to the prison infirmary. However, due to a lack of specialized medical staff, inadequate treatment, and delays by authorities in approving his hospital transfer, his condition deteriorated, ultimately leading to his death. These delays and systemic negligence are a clear example of the prison authorities’ disregard for the fundamental rights of inmates, particularly ethnic minority prisoners like the Baloch.
Neglect of Prisoners’ Health in Iran
Karim Rigi’s death is an example of the ongoing crisis of prisoners’ lack of access to standard medical care in Iran. Iranian prisons consistently suffer from a shortage of medical facilities, delays in providing healthcare, and reluctance to authorize hospital transfers. These issues are particularly severe for political prisoners, ethnic and religious minorities, and individuals in legal limbo.
