Reports received from Ward 7 of Evin Prison indicate the deprivation of prisoners from showering, the spread of bedbugs and vermin, the deterioration of sanitary facilities and the disregard of officials for repairing installations; conditions that with the increase in air temperature have doubled concerns about the health of prisoners.
Iran Human Rights Society, Thursday July 2, 2026 – Reports received from Evin Prison show that prisoners in some halls of Ward 7 have been deprived of the possibility of showering for more than two weeks due to the breakdown of bathrooms. At the same time, the spread of bedbugs and other vermin, the lack of appropriate sanitary facilities, the offering of expired goods in the prison store and the disregard of officials for resolving these problems have created difficult conditions for prisoners and increased concerns about the sanitary situation of this ward.
Why have prisoners of Ward 7 of Evin Prison been deprived of showering?
Based on reports received from inside Evin Prison, in some halls of Ward 7, prisoners have not had the possibility of showering for more than two weeks due to the breakdown of bathrooms.
Informed sources say that despite the prison officials being informed of this situation, no effective action has been taken so far to repair the bathrooms and the prison head has also not been responsive regarding resolving this problem.
Prisoners say that the continuation of this situation, especially in the hot summer days, has faced daily life conditions with serious difficulties and affected their health.
What consequences has the spread of bedbugs and vermin had for prisoners?
According to prisoners, simultaneously with the breakdown of bathrooms, the lack of cleaning materials and weakness in health care, bedbugs and other vermin have increased extensively in Ward 7 of Evin Prison.
Prisoners say that with the intensification of hot air, these insects have multiplied unprecedentedly and caused severe harassment to them. According to them, the constant bites of bedbugs have caused wounds, inflammation and skin damages and many prisoners suffer from itching and skin discomforts.
According to sources, the lack of a regular program for spraying and fighting vermin has made the sanitary conditions of the ward more critical than before.
How has the situation of sanitary facilities and the prison store been reported?
Reports indicate that in addition to sanitary problems, the prison store also only offers goods once a week.
According to prisoners, part of the offered goods have been past their expiration date and are sold at prices higher than the usual rate; a matter that has caused widespread dissatisfaction among them.
Prisoners emphasize that in such conditions, limited access to sanitary goods and the inappropriate quality of available items have intensified the problems resulting from the lack of bathrooms and the spread of vermin.
Why has the situation of Ward 7 of Evin Prison caused concern for families and human rights activists?
Simultaneously with the increase in air temperature, the continuation of bathroom breakdowns, the lack of sanitary facilities, the spread of bedbugs and the disregard of prison officials, concerns about the physical health of prisoners have increased.
Human rights activists have repeatedly emphasized that providing minimum sanitary standards and preserving the health of individuals deprived of freedom is among the legal duties of prison officials and disregard for these responsibilities can expose the health of prisoners to serious dangers.
Legal Examination of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
Before examining the legal aspects of this case, it should be noted that many of the criminal laws governing the ruling dictatorship, especially in political, security cases and execution punishments, have always been criticized by international human rights institutions due to incompatibility with the principles of fair trial, the right to life and fundamental freedoms. However, even on the basis of these same domestic laws, security and judicial authorities in many cases do not adhere to legal requirements, the defensive rights of the accused and trial formalities and numerous reports of the violation of the same laws by these same authorities have been published.
Legal Ambiguities
In this case, the most important legal question is why, despite officials being informed of bathroom breakdowns, the spread of vermin and inappropriate sanitary conditions, no effective action has been taken to resolve the problems. Also, the offering of expired goods in the prison store and the lack of appropriate attention to the situation of public health raises the legal responsibility of prison managers regarding preserving the health of prisoners.
Related Legal Articles
Article 22 of the Constitution: The life, dignity and rights of individuals are immune from violation, except by law.
Article 29 of the Constitution: Enjoyment of necessary services and supports, including health services, is among the public rights of citizens.
Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization: Prison officials are obligated to provide appropriate sanitary conditions, treatment facilities, cleanliness, ventilation and preservation of prisoners’ health.
Law on Respecting Legitimate Freedoms and Preserving Citizens’ Rights: It emphasizes respecting human dignity and the rights of individuals under detention.
Cases of Law Violation
Long-term deprivation of prisoners from the possibility of showering.
Delay in repairing essential prison installations.
Lack of necessary actions to combat bedbugs and other vermin.
Offering expired goods at high prices in the prison store.
Endangering the physical health of prisoners due to inappropriate sanitary conditions.
Why can the conditions of Ward 7 of Evin Prison be considered an example of human rights violation?
Enjoying a sanitary environment, access to basic facilities of life and preserving physical health are considered fundamental rights of all individuals, including prisoners. The published reports about Ward 7 of Evin Prison, including deprivation from showering, the spread of bedbugs, the lack of appropriate sanitary facilities and the disregard of officials for resolving these problems, have created serious concerns about respecting human dignity and minimum standards of prisoner detention.
Violated Articles
Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
Nelson Mandela Rules: Prison officials are obligated to provide sanitary facilities, the possibility of showering, environmental cleanliness, control of vermin and appropriate conditions for preserving prisoners’ health.
Reports received from Evin Prison indicate the intensification of sanitary problems in Ward 7, including bathroom breakdowns, deprivation of prisoners from showering, the spread of bedbugs and other vermin, the deterioration of facilities and the offering of expired goods in the prison store. In conditions where the severe heat of summer has doubled these problems, the disregard of officials for resolving defects and the lack of accountability regarding prisoners’ demands have increased concerns about the health and human dignity of individuals imprisoned in this ward.
See also the below articles:
- Procedural Irregularities in the Execution of Alireza Ahmadi Balsini at Qezelhesar Prison
- Kamal Khan-Babaei; Issuance of Death Sentence for Detainee of the 2025-2026 Protests in Qazvin
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