Prison of Sheiban Ahvaz; Health Crisis and Lack of Facilities Among Prisoners

Reports from Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz indicate the holding of hundreds of prisoners in unsuitable conditions, severe shortage of facilities, and judicial uncertainty of the detainees.

Iran Human Rights Society, Thursday, April 9, 2026 – Information received from Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz shows that detainees, especially those arrested in recent months, are being held in worrying conditions. Severe overcrowding, water shortage, unsuitable hygienic situation, and judicial uncertainty are among the most important problems reported in this prison.

What is the population density situation in Sheiban Prison?

Based on received reports, parts of Sheiban Prison have been allocated to detainees of protests. Ward Two (quarantine) is dedicated to newly arrived prisoners, and Wards Five and Eight are also used as security and political wards. In these sections, prisoners from previous years are held alongside detainees from recent months.

In the building where these prisoners are held, there are six rooms, each accommodating about 40 people. Also, spaces such as Hosseiniyehs have been used for housing prisoners, and the population of this section has reached about 270 to close to 300 people. This level of density has caused serious problems in living conditions in the prison.

What consequences has water shortage and lack of basic facilities had?

One of the most important problems reported in Sheiban Prison is the severe shortage of water. Prisoners have stated that on some days, from morning until afternoon hours, water is not available for use in toilets, showers, and washing. This situation has caused access to the most basic hygienic needs to face serious disruption.

Also, the number of toilets is very limited, and for hundreds of prisoners, only about six toilets have been considered. The low quality of water has also added to the problems and made hygienic conditions more difficult. These shortages, along with population density, have created conditions that have confronted the daily life of prisoners with serious challenges.

Spread of Disease and Hygienic Situation in Sheiban Prison

Reports indicate the widespread spread of disease among prisoners. Many prisoners have contracted various diseases, and although in some cases they are transferred to the infirmary, the quality of medical services has been questioned. It is said that some of the medicines provided are close to expiration date or even past consumption date.

In addition, widespread infestation with “bedbugs” in the prison environment is another serious problem reported. According to sources, the presence of these insects is to the extent that it has caused skin damages among prisoners, and efforts made to control it, including limited spraying, have not been effective.

Shortage of Welfare Facilities and Unsuitable Living Conditions

In the area of welfare facilities, unsuitable conditions have also been reported. Despite the existence of air conditioners in the rooms, due to the high population density, these equipment do not meet the needs of the prisoners. Also, the number of showers is very limited and about four units for hundreds of people.

Prisoners have stated that access to hot water practically does not exist and the water used in showers is always cold. These conditions, along with other problems, have severely affected the level of life in the prison.

Judicial Uncertainty of Detainees in Sheiban Prison

Based on this report, a significant portion of the prisoners are still in a state of uncertainty, and only a limited number of them have received a verdict. Some of these individuals have faced charges such as “moharebeh,” “terrorist action,” and “armed action,” while their court has not yet been held.

It has also been reported that some of the detainees have been transferred from other detention centers to Sheiban Prison, and the interrogation process of them is still ongoing. This situation has caused an increase in concerns about the prolongation of detention and the lack of determination of the status of cases.

An Image of a Critical Situation in Sheiban Prison

The sum of these conditions presents an image of a critical situation in Sheiban Prison in Ahvaz. Severe overcrowding, shortage of basic facilities, unsuitable hygienic situation, and judicial uncertainty all indicate conditions that can endanger the health and safety of prisoners.

The continuation of this situation has increased concerns about the conditions of holding detainees and respecting their rights and has drawn the attention of human rights institutions to the situation of this prison.

Violation of Human Rights in Sheiban Prison Ahvaz

The conditions reported in Sheiban Prison violate several principles of human rights laws, including:

Violation of the right to enjoy humane conditions – Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Holding prisoners in unsanitary conditions, severe overcrowding, and shortage of basic facilities can be an example of inhuman and degrading treatment.

Violation of the right to health – Fundamental principles of human rights: Lack of access to water, appropriate medical services, and use of unreliable medicines endangers the health of prisoners.

Violation of liberty and personal security – Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Holding individuals in a state of uncertainty and without judicial proceedings is an example of arbitrary detention.

Violation of the right to fair trial – Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Failure to hold court for many detainees and prolongation of the interrogation process indicates violation of fair trial.

Violation of human dignity – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Unsuitable living conditions, environmental pollution, and lack of minimum facilities violate the human dignity of prisoners.

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