Introduction: The Brutal Repression by the Iranian Regime
In the Islamic Republic of Iran, the regime employs a wide range of repressive tactics to silence dissent, from arbitrary arrests and fabricated charges to executions and family incarcerations. These methods not only target individuals but also exert immense pressure on their families.
This report highlights the case of Shiva Esmaeili, a 60-year-old woman who symbolizes this systematic oppression, aiming to shed light on the profound suffering endured by her and her family.
A Prisoner in the Shadows of Repression: The Story of Shiva Esmaeili
Shiva Esmaeili, born around 1965 and a resident of Tehran, was arrested by security forces in November 2020. She is currently imprisoned in Evin Prison, one of Iran’s most notorious detention centers.
Reports indicate that on May 14, 2023, she was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari. The charges against her—“multiple instances of assembly and collusion to act against national security”—are political and fabricated, not based on any genuine crime.
Initially, she was sentenced to 18 years in prison, but under the aggregation of sentences law, her sentence was reduced to 10 years. Despite this apparent reduction, it remains a severe punishment for a 60-year-old woman who, according to reports, was denied basic rights such as access to legal representation and a fair trial.
Evin Prison, infamous for its torture and mistreatment of political prisoners, is an environment that crushes hope. At her age, Shiva faces severe physical and psychological hardships.
Pressure on the Family: The Price of Resistance
The Iranian regime uses family imprisonment as a tactic to intensify pressure on dissidents, and Shiva Esmaeili’s family is a prime example of this strategy.
Her two sons, Seyed Mahdi Vafaei Sani and Seyed Alireza Vafaei Sani, are imprisoned in Ward 8 of Evin Prison, serving sentences of 6 and 5 years, respectively.
Even more harrowing is the fate of their cousin, Seyed Mohammadjavad Vafaei Sani, who has been sentenced to death at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. His case exemplifies the regime’s pattern of politically motivated executions to instill fear and silence opposition.
This method not only places Shiva under immense pressure but also subjects her family to profound anguish and fear.
Deprivation of visits and constant worry about her children’s fate inflict severe psychological torture on her, especially given her age when family support is even more crucial.
Prison Conditions: Silent Torture
There are numerous accounts of torture, denial of medical care, and inhumane conditions in Evin Prison, all reflecting the regime’s cruelty. Prison authorities have repeatedly denied Shiva permission to visit or contact her sons and other family members. This deprivation constitutes a form of psychological torture, designed to isolate and break the prisoners.
At 60 years old, Shiva faces additional challenges. Reports suggest her health is at serious risk due to lack of access to proper medical care, a blatant violation of Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—the right to life.
Conclusion: A Cry for Justice
Shiva Esmaeili’s story is part of a broader pattern of human rights violations in Iran. The international community must raise its voice against these injustices and pressure the Iranian government to respect fundamental human rights.
We call on organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch to:
– Demand the immediate release of Shiva Esmaeili and all political prisoners in Iran.
– Urge the Iranian authorities to ensure fair trials and due process.
– Advocate for improvements in prison conditions, including access to medical care and family visits.
The suffering of Shiva Esmaeili and her family stands as a bitter reminder of the high price of freedom in Iran.
It is upon the world to ensure their voices are heard and justice is served.
