Reports received from sources inside Evin Prison indicate a deterioration of hygienic conditions, the spread of skin diseases, the transfer of prisoners afflicted with scabies to Ward 7, a lack of detergents and disinfectants, the non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses, and widespread livelihood problems for the prisoners. Furthermore, sources inside the prison have raised reports regarding the method of distribution and sale of narcotics inside the prison and the role of certain prison officials.
Iran Human Rights Society, Friday, July 17, 2026 – According to reports received from sources inside Evin Prison, the hygienic situation and the detention conditions of prisoners have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Informed sources report the breakdown of showers in Ward 7, a shortage of detergents and disinfectants, the spread of skin diseases, the transfer of prisoners afflicted with scabies to this ward, the non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses, and an increase in prisoners’ anxieties regarding their health. Furthermore, these sources have raised reports concerning the sale of narcotics inside the prison and the role of certain officials in this regard.
Information Box | Status of Evin Prison
| Title | Information |
| Name of Prison | Evin Prison |
| Ward Subject to Report | Ward 7 of Evin Prison |
| Main Core of Report | Hygienic crisis, spread of skin diseases, non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses, and reports regarding the buying and selling of narcotics |
| Status of Showers | Breakdown of showers in several halls and a decrease in the possibility of regular bathing for prisoners |
| Hygienic Status | Shortage of detergents and disinfectants, and an increase in skin diseases |
| Scabies Disease | Transfer of a number of prisoners afflicted with scabies to Ward 7 without effective quarantine, increasing the risk of transmission |
| Separation of Offenses | Holding political prisoners alongside financial prisoners and nationals of other countries |
| Prison Store | Reports of selling certain expired goods and low-quality items at high prices |
| Sale of Narcotics | Sources inside the prison report the widespread buying and selling of narcotics at prices several times higher than outside the prison |
| Individuals Named in Source Reports | Mohammad Haji-Mazdarani, Head of Evin Prison; Mohammadi, an official of the prison; Yousefi, Director of Health |
| Report in Relation to Yousefi | Sources inside the prison have spoken of his role in exerting pressure and confronting prisoners, especially political prisoners |
| Primary Concern of Prisoners | Spread of disease, intensification of mental and physical pressures, neglect of hygiene, and the potential exploitation of the illegal narcotics market |
| Urgent Need | Quarantine of patients, provision of hygienic materials, repair of showers, implementation of the principle of separation of offenses, and conducting an independent inspection |
Fresh Reports of the Deteriorating Hygienic Situation in Evin Prison
According to reports received from sources inside the prison, hygienic conditions in Ward 7 of Evin Prison have reached a concerning stage.
According to these sources, the breakdown of showers in various halls has caused many prisoners to lose the possibility of regular bathing. This situation, alongside population overcrowding and a lack of hygienic facilities, has led to a decline in personal hygiene levels and increased anxieties regarding the outbreak of contagious diseases. Informed sources emphasize that the shortage of primary hygienic facilities has placed the health of prisoners at risk more than in the past.
Shortage of Detergents and Increase in Skin Diseases
According to sources inside the prison, prisoners’ access to detergents, disinfectants, and other hygienic items is extremely limited.
These sources say that the lack of sufficient facilities to maintain personal hygiene has led to an increase in skin diseases among prisoners during recent months. According to these reports, a number of prisoners have recently contracted scabies; a disease that possesses the capability to transmit rapidly in overcrowded environments that lack hygienic facilities.
Transfer of Prisoners Afflicted with Scabies; Concerns Over the Expansion of the Hygienic Crisis in Ward 7
According to reports received from sources inside the prison, in recent days, a number of prisoners afflicted with scabies have been transferred to Ward 7 of Evin Prison; a matter that has generated widespread concerns regarding the possibility of this disease spreading among other prisoners. According to these sources, despite the contagious nature of scabies and the necessity of isolating those afflicted, these individuals continue to be held alongside other prisoners, and so far no effective action has taken place to quarantine them or transfer them to an appropriate location.
Informed sources also say that the acute shortage of detergents, the absence of disinfectants, the breakdown of the ward’s showers, and the difficulty of prisoners’ access to primary hygienic facilities have provided the conditions for the spread of skin diseases. According to these sources, many prisoners do not have the possibility of regular bathing, and due to the shortage of hygienic facilities, observing the minimum standards of personal hygiene has faced serious trouble.
Anxiety Over the Outbreak of Scabies in Ward 7
According to these reports, the primary concern of the prisoners is that if this situation continues, scabies will spread rapidly among the dense population of Ward 7 and affect a larger number of prisoners. The families of some prisoners have also expressed anxiety regarding the lack of preventive measures, the absence of screening for patients, and the neglect by prison officials of the risk of a disease outbreak.
Sources inside the prison emphasize that the transfer of individuals afflicted with contagious diseases to general wards, without observing the principles of quarantine and hygiene, places the health of all prisoners at risk. According to these reports, the existing situation can turn into a serious health crisis inside the prison, highlighting the necessity of urgent attention, the provision of hygienic facilities, and the intervention of supervisory bodies more than ever before.
The Prison Store and Livelihood Problems of Prisoners
The received reports also criticize the performance of the prison store.
According to sources inside the prison, some goods offered in the store are expired and are sold to prisoners at prices higher than the market price. Sources believe that many prisoners, especially underprivileged individuals, do not possess the ability to consistently purchase their required items, and this situation has imposed a double pressure on them and their families.
Report of Sources Inside the Prison Regarding the Sale of Narcotics in Evin
According to reports received from sources inside Evin Prison, the buying and selling of narcotics is carried out extensively in certain wards of this prison, and the substances are made available to prisoners at prices significantly higher than outside the prison. Informed sources claim that the continuation of this situation is impossible without the awareness or connivance of certain prison officials, and a network of individuals plays a role in the entry, distribution, and sale of narcotics inside the prison.
High Price of Narcotics in Prison
According to sources inside the prison, the restriction on prisoners’ access to money, communications, and facilities outside the prison has caused narcotics to be sold at several times the usual price. These sources say that the income derived from this illegal market is significant, and a portion of it, according to reports from prisoners, is placed at the disposal of individuals who facilitate the movement and distribution of substances within the controlled environment of the prison. Prisoners believe that given the body searches, surveillance cameras, control of movements, and strict restrictions on the entry of goods, the continuous entry of narcotics into the prison is difficult without the existence of cooperation, facilitation, or connivance at levels of prison management.
Role of Prison Authorities in the Distribution of Narcotics
In connection with these reports, informed sources have named Mohammad Haji-Mazdarani, the Head of Evin Prison, Mohammadi, an official of this prison, and Yousefi, the Director of Health of Evin Prison, and have demanded the execution of an independent investigation into their performance. These sources specifically claim that the prison management is aware of the buying and selling of narcotics and does not take effective action to stop it.
Shortage of Detergents and Medicine, Abundance of Narcotics
Prisoners also raise this contradiction: while their access to detergents, medicine, medical facilities, and essential items is restricted, narcotics are easily found in the prison at exorbitant prices. According to them, this situation, in addition to creating financial profit for the distribution network, increases dependency, violence, debt, and psychological and physical harms among the prisoners, and can turn into a tool for control, pressure, or creating tension in the wards. Sources inside the prison have demanded an independent inspection, a review of the entry route of substances, and the transparent publication of investigation results.
Reports Regarding the Role of the Director of Health of the Prison
Sources inside the prison also claim that Yousefi, the Director of Health of Evin Prison, plays an active role in confronting prisoners, particularly political prisoners.
According to these sources, his performance in the area of internal management of the prison and addressing the issues of prisoners has faced criticism from a number of prisoners.
Continued Violation of the Principle of Separation of Offenses
Fresh reports also show that the principle of separation of offenses is still not completely observed in Evin Prison.
According to informed sources, political prisoners are held alongside prisoners with financial convictions as well as nationals of certain other countries; a situation that, from the perspective of human rights activists and legal experts, contradicts the executive regulations of the Prisons Organization and the principle of classification of prisoners. Sources inside the prison believe that this situation, in addition to creating security problems, can prepare the ground for tension and an increase of pressure on political prisoners.
Legal Review of the Case Based on Domestic Laws
Introduction
Before legally reviewing this matter, it must be noted that even based on domestic laws, prison officials are obligated to preserve the health, security, and dignity of prisoners, provide hygienic facilities, prevent the outbreak of contagious diseases, and observe the principle of separation of offenses.
Legal Ambiguities of the Case
The inappropriate hygienic situation, the transfer of prisoners afflicted with contagious diseases without quarantine, the shortage of medical and hygienic facilities, the non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses, and the reports raised regarding illegal activities inside the prison are among the most important matters that require an independent, transparent, and impartial review.
Related Legal Articles
- Article 22 of the Constitution: Inviolability of the life, rights, and dignity of persons.
- Article 29 of the Constitution: The right to enjoy health and medical services.
- Article 39 of the Constitution: Prohibition of the violation of the honor and dignity of prisoners.
- Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization: The obligation to observe the principle of separation of offenses, maintain hygiene, health, and the security of prisoners.
Violations of Law
Reports related to the absence of hygienic facilities.
- Transfer of patients without quarantine.
- Non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses.
- Reports related to the inappropriate condition of showers.
- Reports raised regarding illegal activities inside the prison.
Human Rights Violations in Evin Prison
Reports received from sources inside Evin Prison have created serious concerns regarding the status of human rights in this prison. The shortage of hygienic facilities, the breakdown of showers, the absence of detergents and disinfectants, the holding of prisoners afflicted with contagious diseases alongside other prisoners without quarantine, and the non-observance of the principle of separation of offenses can confront the health and dignity of prisoners with serious hazards. Furthermore, the reports raised regarding the existence of illegal activities inside the prison and the role of certain officials require an independent, transparent, and impartial investigation. Human rights bodies have consistently emphasized the necessity of providing the possibility for independent observers to visit prisons and impartially review such reports.
Related Human Rights Articles
- Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to life, liberty, and security of person.
- Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Prohibition of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
- Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: The necessity of humane treatment of individuals deprived of liberty.
- The Nelson Mandela Rules: The right of prisoners to access health, treatment, a healthy environment, hygienic facilities, appropriate classification, and the preservation of human dignity.
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- Ali Khani Square Isfahan Execution: Two Protesters Executed, Ten at Imminent Risk
- Ghezel Hesar Hunger Strike Enters Fifth Day of Protests
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