HAMID GHAREH-HASSANLOU HAS BEGUN A HUNGER STRIKE IN YAZD PRISON

Hamid Ghareh-Hassanlou, a physician and political prisoner held in Yazd Central Prison, announced in an audio message that he has begun a hunger strike in protest against what he describes as the “inhumane and alarming conditions” of his detention.

According to his statement, emphasizing his innocence, Mr. Ghareh-Hassanlou said he has been unjustly imprisoned in exile for years and, in addition to receiving what he calls heavy and “unjust” sentences, has faced continuous injustice throughout his incarceration. He also noted that despite more than two and a half years having passed since his transfer to Yazd Prison, he is still being held in quarantine.

Hamid Ghareh-Hassanlou is among the defendants in the case related to the death of Rouhollah Ajmian, a Basij member killed during the 40-day memorial for Hadis Najafi. In its initial ruling, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death on the charge of “corruption on earth through crimes against national security.” The Supreme Court later overturned the verdict due to flaws in the investigation and returned the case for retrial.

In the retrial, the charge was changed to “Moharebeh,” (Waging War Against God), and Mr. Ghareh-Hassanlou was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment in exile in Yazd Province. However, under Article 279 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, moharebeh requires the use of a weapon with the intent to create insecurity. Available evidence shows that Mr. Ghareh-Hassanlou is not seen carrying any cold or firearms in footage from the scene, and no proof has been presented linking him to the beating of the deceased.

According to the case file, the evidence against him largely consists of videos he recorded on his mobile phone at the scene and an alleged confession attributed to his wife under pressure. Hamid Ghareh-Hassanlou and his wife have repeatedly and explicitly denied any involvement in the assault on Rouhollah Ajmian.