Sepehri Family Exposes Abuse and Retaliatory Torture Against Their Siblings in Vakilabad Prison

Asghar Sepehri, the brother of political prisoners Fatemeh and Mohammad Hossein Sepehri, both known pro-monarchy activists, has published a statement revealing that their family has been subjected to sexual abuse and humiliation by prison authorities at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

The statement, released following a wave of repression after the 12-day Iran-Israel war and the death of senior IRGC and intelligence officials, alleges that the regime, unable to respond externally, has turned its rage inward—targeting political prisoners, religious minorities (Baháʼís and Jews), and civil society actors.

In one of the most disturbing incidents, the daughter of Fatemeh Sepehri, currently held in Ward 5 of Vakilabad Prison, was subjected to a degrading and sexually abusive body search during a scheduled cabin visit with her mother. The alleged perpetrator is identified as a female prison officer named Mrs. Rahnama. The assault reportedly caused severe psychological distress to the young woman.

According to the statement, this incident had a profound emotional impact on Fatemeh Sepehri and led her brother, Mohammad Hossein Sepehri (also imprisoned at Vakilabad), to formally request a meeting with Vahid Pourhajebi (Chief of Prison Security in Khorasan Razavi Province) and a local prison official named Mr. Alikhani. Both reportedly refused to meet or respond.

In retaliation for his protest, Mr. Mohammad Hossein was sent to solitary confinement, had his phone calls suspended for a month, and was denied two scheduled in-person visits.

The Sepehri family describes this act as part of a systematic policy of revenge and psychological torture against political prisoners and their loved ones. They condemn it as a clear case of sexual violence, abuse of power, and organized repression, calling for accountability and international awareness.