Critical Situation in Qarchak Prison; Shortage of Drinking Water and Prisoners' Uncertainty in the Shadow of War

Reports indicate that prison staff have left their workplaces and the shortage of drinking water and medical services has intensified in Qarchak Prison; jurists emphasize the necessity of implementing Resolution 211 to preserve the lives of prisoners

Iran Human Rights Society, Thursday, March 5, 2026 – Received reports show that Qarchak Prison has faced a critical situation in wartime conditions. Following the increase in attacks, administrative and medical staff of the prison have left their workplaces, and prisoners are facing a shortage of drinking water and uncertainty in daily affairs. At the same time, jurists emphasize that to prevent potential risks, Resolution 211 of the Supreme Judicial Council must be implemented.

Critical Situation in Qarchak Prison

According to received reports, Qarchak Prison has faced very difficult conditions in recent days. With the start of the war and the increase in bombardments, concerns about the security of prisoners in this prison have increased.

It is said that many employees of various sections of the prison, including the medical staff, healthcare personnel, administrative section, and even the prison guards, have left their workplaces. As a result, many affairs related to prisoners have been left in uncertainty.

The absence of responsible staff has caused the process of handling requests, distribution of facilities, and even medical services to face serious disruption. Prisoners in such conditions are facing a lack of accountability from prison officials.

Shortage of Drinking Water and Closure of the Prison Shop

One of the serious problems in Qarchak Prison is the shortage of drinking water. Reports indicate that this prison had already been facing problems in supplying healthy water even before the wartime conditions.

With the intensification of wartime conditions, this problem has become much more severe. Prisoners are now facing serious restrictions in accessing drinking water.

On the other hand, the prison shop has also stopped its activities. This issue has caused problems in prisoners’ access to essential items and has made their living conditions more difficult.

In such a situation, many prisoners are facing serious problems in meeting their basic needs.

Unsuitable Hygienic and Medical Conditions

Previously, reports had been published about the unsuitable hygienic situation in Qarchak Prison. This prison, which was established in a building with previous use as a poultry farm, has been facing structural problems for years.

Reports show that unhealthy drinking water, low-quality food, shortage of medical equipment, and lack of proper ventilation are among the permanent problems of this prison.

Severe overcrowding in the wards is another reported problem. Many prisoners, due to the lack of adequate space, are forced to sleep on the floor.

The prison infirmary, according to various sources, lacks essential medical equipment. The absence of basic medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, oxygen equipment, or specialized examination facilities are among the problems raised in this section.

Reports on the Conditions of Female Prisoners

In past years as well, reports have been published about the situation of female prisoners in Qarchak Prison. In these reports, numerous problems have been pointed out, including the lack of hygienic facilities, shortage of medical services, and difficult conditions of detention for prisoners.

It has also been said that consumer products in the prison shop are sold to prisoners at prices much higher than the real prices.

In the prison workshops as well, prisoners receive very meager wages for hard work that does not even cover the cost of the most basic daily needs.

The Necessity of Implementing Resolution 211 in Wartime Conditions

In the current conditions, jurists emphasize the necessity of implementing Resolution No. 211 of the Supreme Judicial Council. This resolution, approved in 1365 (1986–1987 Gregorian), is dedicated to emergency situations resulting from war.

According to this resolution, the Judiciary is obliged to take necessary measures to preserve the lives of prisoners. These measures can include converting bail, granting conditional release, accepting bail or suretyship, and transferring prisoners to safe locations.

In accordance with this regulation, if normal conditions are not sufficient to maintain the security of prisoners, prosecutors can release low-risk prisoners until the emergency situation is resolved.

Legal experts emphasize that given the wartime conditions and potential risks, the implementation of this resolution is an urgent necessity to preserve the lives of prisoners.

Human Rights Violations in Qarchak Prison

The current situation in Qarchak Prison may be in conflict with fundamental principles of human rights. International standards emphasize that prisoners must enjoy minimum human rights even in crisis conditions.

Violation of the right to life – Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Detaining prisoners in unsafe conditions and without protective measures during wartime can put their lives at risk.
Violation of the right to health – Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: The absence of proper medical services and medical equipment threatens the health of prisoners.
Violation of the right to humane conditions of detention – United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Mandela Rules): Shortage of drinking water, overcrowding, and unsuitable hygienic conditions are contrary to these standards.
Violation of the right to access to safe water – Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Deprivation of safe drinking water is considered a violation of one of the fundamental rights of prisoners.
Violation of the obligation to protect prisoners in emergency situations – Resolution 211 of the Supreme Judicial Council: Failure to implement the foreseen measures to preserve the lives of prisoners in wartime conditions can be considered a violation of legal obligations.

Given the existing conditions in Qarchak Prison, concerns about the security, health, and humane situation of prisoners in this prison have increased.

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