About 350 prisoners in Hall One of the Quarantine Ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, in protest against the severe beating of a political prisoner by security agents and prison wardens, went on hunger strike. At the same time, the prisoners have warned about the unsuitable conditions of this ward and the inhuman behaviors in it.
Iran Human Rights Society, Friday July 3, 2026 – The hunger strike in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad with the participation of about 350 prisoners has once again drawn attention to the situation of political prisoners and the conditions of their detention. This protest action started after, according to received reports, a political prisoner was subjected to severe beating on the charge of “disrespecting the agents.” The prisoners have also expressed concern about the unsuitable conditions of the quarantine ward, humiliating behaviors, and the lack of minimum detention standards in this section of the prison.
Why did the prisoners of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad go on hunger strike?
Based on reports received from the prisoners of Hall One of the Quarantine Ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, yesterday security agents and prison wardens severely beat one of the political prisoners on the charge of “disrespecting the agents.”
According to eyewitnesses, the intensity of the violence applied was to the extent that this prisoner lost control of his urine and feces after the beating.
In reaction to this treatment, about 350 people from the prisoners of this ward on July 1, 2026 by refraining from consuming the lunch meal, started their protest hunger strike.
The prisoners have described this action as a protest against the violence against their fellow inmate and the prevailing conditions in the quarantine ward.
How have the conditions of the Quarantine Ward of Vakilabad Prison been described?
Based on the received reports, the Quarantine Ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad is known by many prisoners as one of the most unsuitable sections of this prison for the detention of political prisoners.
Prisoners mention the lack of proper ventilation, round-the-clock noise pollution, the severe and unpleasant smell of the sanitary facilities, and the constant lighting of bright lights as part of the problems of this ward.
According to sources, these conditions, in addition to physical damages, also impose continuous psychological pressures on the prisoners.
What has been the role of prison wardens and agents in the prisoners’ protest?
Another issue that has been mentioned in the received reports is the presence of prison wardens who, according to the prisoners, some of them have been selected from among convicts of violent crimes.
The prisoners say that these individuals, along with prison agents, play a role in applying pressure on the prisoners and violent treatments with political prisoners have created serious concerns about their physical safety.
In the belief of the prisoners, the collection of these conditions has caused the quarantine ward to turn from a place for temporary detention of prisoners into an environment accompanied by continuous mental and physical pressures.
What request have the prisoners made from international institutions?
A group of political prisoners who have succeeded in informing through short phone contacts with their families have requested international human rights institutions to pay attention to and supervise the situation of the Quarantine Ward of Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.
According to sources, they have expressed concern about the continuation of violence, unsuitable detention conditions, and the lack of an effective mechanism for addressing prisoners’ complaints and have demanded an independent examination of the situation of this ward.
Legal Examination of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
Before examining the legal aspects of this case, it should be noted that many criminal laws in the ruling dictatorship, especially in political, security cases and execution punishments, have 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 based on 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 procedures, and numerous reports of the violation of even those same laws have been published.
Legal Ambiguities of the Case
In this case, the first legal ambiguity relates to the claim of the severe beating of a political prisoner by agents and prison wardens. If these reports are true, the necessity of conducting independent investigations about the manner of treatment with this prisoner and the responsibility of the individuals involved in the incident is raised.
Also, the described conditions about the quarantine ward, including the lack of proper ventilation, environmental pollution, psychological pressures, and violent behaviors, raise serious questions about compliance with legal requirements in the detention of prisoners.
Related Legal Provisions
Article 22 of the Constitution: The life, dignity, and rights of individuals are immune from aggression.
Article 38 of the Constitution: Any kind of torture for obtaining confession or gaining information is prohibited.
Article 39 of the Constitution: Violating the honor and dignity of arrested or imprisoned individuals is prohibited.
Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization: Prison officials are obligated to preserve the physical and mental health of prisoners and provide suitable detention conditions for them.
Cases of Law Violation
Severe beating of a political prisoner.
Humiliating and violent behaviors with prisoners.
Detention of prisoners in unsuitable hygienic and psychological conditions.
Using prison wardens in applying pressure on prisoners.
Disregarding legal standards for the detention of individuals deprived of freedom.
What is the importance of the hunger strike and the conditions of the quarantine ward from the perspective of human rights?
The collective hunger strike of the prisoners and reports related to the beating of a political prisoner have once again highlighted concerns about the situation of prisoners in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. The prohibition of torture and inhuman behaviors, preserving the dignity of prisoners, and providing suitable detention conditions are among the fundamental principles of human rights and their compliance is the responsibility of prison officials.
Violated Provisions
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: The use of violence against prisoners, detention in inhuman conditions, and creating physical and psychological pressures are incompatible with international standards for the detention of prisoners.
The hunger strike of about 350 prisoners in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad is a protest against what the prisoners describe as violence against a political prisoner and the unsuitable conditions of the quarantine ward. The published reports of severe beating, unsuitable detention conditions, the presence of prison wardens alongside agents, and the prisoners’ request for supervision by international institutions have once again drawn attention to the situation of political prisoners and the necessity of respecting the rights and dignity of individuals deprived of freedom.
See also the below articles:
- Evin Prison Ward 7 Faces Severe Health Crisis from Bedbugs and Broken Bathrooms
- Procedural Irregularities in the Execution of Alireza Ahmadi Balsini at Qezelhesar Prison
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