Hamid Haj Jafar Kashani Denied Medical Care in Greater Tehran Prison

Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani, a political prisoner and former futsal referee, remains deprived of appropriate medical care in Greater Tehran Prison despite suffering from spinal problems, digestive disorders, and a heart condition; reports indicate increased pressure on him coinciding with his support for the “No to Execution” campaign.

Iran Human Rights Society, Friday, August 14, 2026 – The physical condition of Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani, a political prisoner incarcerated in Greater Tehran Prison, has been reported as concerning following the denial of adequate medical treatment. This political prisoner faces severe spinal problems, digestive disorders, and a cardiac condition, yet according to received information, access to treatment corresponding to his medical conditions has not been provided. Concurrently, reports have emerged regarding increased pressure exerted on him following his support for the “No to Execution” campaign and his protest against the implementation of death sentences.

Denial of Medical Treatment Despite Multiple Ailments

According to received information, Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani is grappling with several physical ailments simultaneously in Greater Tehran Prison. Spinal problems, digestive disorders, and a heart condition are among the medical issues reported regarding his health.

Despite these conditions, reports indicate that appropriate medical attention and required therapeutic services have been withheld from him. The psychological and mental state of this political prisoner has also been described as concerning due to incarceration conditions and ongoing pressures.

For a prisoner suffering from multiple illnesses, delays in diagnosis, specialized examination, or treatment can exacerbate the disease and lead to severe complications. The responsibility for providing medical care to a prisoner, regardless of the nature of their charge or conviction, lies with the Prisons Organization and relevant authorities.

Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani’s Support for the “No to Execution” Campaign

Another portion of the received reports pertains to Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani’s protest activities inside the prison.

In recent months, he has aligned himself with the “No to Execution” campaign and protested against the issuance and execution of death sentences. An informed source stated that these activities met with negative reactions from certain officials and individuals connected to his case, leading to heightened pressure on this political prisoner.

If a link exists between peaceful activism against the death penalty and increased pressure on a prisoner, this raises additional concerns regarding the treatment of peaceful expression and protest within the prison environment.

Six Years’ Imprisonment; Five Years Enforceable

Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani, a former futsal referee, was previously sentenced to a total of six years in prison by Branch 23 of the Tehran Islamic Revolutionary Court.

According to the verdict communicated on April 28, 2026, he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for “assembly and collusion against national security” and one year for “propaganda against the system.” Applying regulations regarding multiple offenses, the primary sentence of five years’ imprisonment will be enforceable.

Existing reports indicate that the judicial process was conducted under security pressure without the presence of chosen legal counsel—a matter that raises serious questions regarding the right to an effective defense in this case.

Arrest During 2025 Nationwide Protests

Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani was arrested on January 4, 2026 amidst nationwide protests. According to published details, his arrest took place in front of the Alaeddin Shopping Center in Tehran.

He had previously been arrested on April 27, 2025 for holding a protest placard on Revolution Street in Tehran. Sources close to the case have linked judicial actions against him directly to his protest activities and stances.

His record also includes release from prison in 2022/2023 following a stay of execution. Upon the formation of a new judicial case, he was once again arrested and tried.

According to the latest available information, Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani is being held in Brigade 6, Unit 1 of Greater Tehran Prison. It has also been reported that his transfer, along with several other political prisoners to this prison, was punitive in nature.

Legal Review of Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani’s Case Based on Domestic Laws

The dictatorial laws governing Iran in recent years have repeatedly been criticized for failing to align with fair trial standards, opacity in security-related prosecutions, and restricting freedom of expression. Reviewing Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani’s case under domestic legal statutes does not constitute an endorsement of these laws; the objective is to highlight instances where even these existing statutes must be observed by the judiciary and prison authorities.

Legal Ambiguities of the Case

Based on published information, Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani was tried on charges of “assembly and collusion against national security” and “propaganda against the system,” receiving a total sentence of six years’ imprisonment, five of which are enforceable. Reports have also been published regarding the absence of chosen legal counsel and security pressure during proceedings.

On the other hand, his current situation in prison is tied to access to medical services. Suffering from multiple ailments combined with reports of denied adequate treatment directly invokes the legal responsibility of prison authorities to protect the prisoner’s health.

Furthermore, reports of heightened pressure following his support for the “No to Execution” campaign, if verified, raise questions as to whether his peaceful protest activities influenced decisions and actions taken against him.

Relevant Legal Articles

Article 22 of the Constitution: Holds individual life, rights, and dignity immune from violation.

Article 23 of the Constitution: Strictly prohibits the investigation or persecution of individuals for their beliefs.

Article 32 of the Constitution: Emphasizes adherence to legal procedures regarding the arrest of individuals.

Article 35 of the Constitution: Recognizes the fundamental right of defendants to retain legal counsel.

Article 39 of the Constitution: Forbids any affront to the dignity and honor of arrested persons and prisoners.

Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization: Emphasizes the prison’s responsibility to provide required healthcare and medical treatment to incarcerated individuals.

Violations and Legal Concerns

Reported denial of adequate medical treatment despite multiple physical ailments;

Risk of exacerbating cardiac, digestive, and spinal conditions due to delayed treatment;

Reported denial of chosen legal counsel during judicial proceedings;

Reported security pressure during case proceedings;

Reported punitive transfer to Greater Tehran Prison;

Reported escalation of pressure linked to participation in the “No to Execution” campaign.

Reviewing the Case from the Perspective of Human Rights and Potential Violations of International Standards

From a human rights standpoint, prisoners’ rights to health, adequate medical care, humane treatment, freedom of expression, and a fair trial represent foundational principles of international law. Published reports regarding Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani’s situation—specifically his multiple physical conditions and denial of proper medical treatment—raise grave concerns regarding compliance with these rights.

Human Rights Ambiguities of the Case

The most critical concern pertains to this political prisoner’s physical health. Spinal problems, digestive disorders, and a heart condition require specialized evaluation and treatment; continued deprivation of necessary care places his health at heightened risk.

Reports of increased pressure on Hamid Haj-Jafar Kashani following his support for the “No to Execution” campaign are also notable regarding the right to freedom of expression. Incarceration does not strip an individual of fundamental rights, including the right to medical care and human dignity.

Relevant International Documents

Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Absolute prohibition of torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The right to freedom of opinion and expression.

Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Mandates that all persons deprived of liberty be treated with humanity and respect for inherent dignity.

Article 14 of the ICCPR: Right to a fair trial and necessary defense guarantees.

Article 19 of the ICCPR: The right to hold opinions without interference and freedom of expression.

Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR): The right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.