Sajjad Imannejad faces severe lumbar disc disease in Evin Prison. Despite urgent need for repeat surgery, medical neglect continues and risks permanent damage.
Iran Human Rights Society, Tuesday, 24 February 2026 – Sajjad Imannejad, a political prisoner incarcerated in Evin Prison, is facing worsening lumbar disc disease and severe movement restriction, while despite the specialist physician’s emphasis on the necessity of performing surgery again, he continues to be deprived of transfer to medical centers outside the prison and receiving specialized services. His physical condition has caused serious concern among his family and close relatives.
Worsening of the Disease and Neglect of the Need for Surgery
According to received information, Sajjad Imannejad suffers from lumbar disc disease and is currently facing serious movement problems. Informed sources have announced that about one week ago, due to intensified pain and movement restriction, he was transferred to the prison infirmary and then sent to Shahid Tajrish Hospital for specialized examination.
After performing medical tests and imaging, the specialist physician stated that he requires repeat surgery. However, despite the explicit opinion of the physician regarding the necessity of urgent care, his treatment process has remained stalled and this political prisoner continues to be held in Evin Prison without access to appropriate medical services.
This is while spinal problems, if not treated in a timely manner, can lead to irreparable nerve and movement damage.
Premature Return to Prison and Renewed Injury
A source close to the family of this political prisoner confirmed in an interview with the media that Sajjad Imannejad was sent on medical leave last year to undergo surgery, but before completing the convalescence period and fully recovering, he was returned to prison again.
According to this source, returning him to prison before the end of the treatment period caused renewed injury in the spinal area and made his physical condition more critical. Now also, despite the physician’s diagnosis of the urgent need for surgery, the process of transfer and specialized treatment has faced delay and procrastination.
The family of this political prisoner, expressing concern about the current situation, has emphasized that the continuation of this situation can seriously threaten his health and even his ability to move.
Background of Arrest and Issuance of Sentence
Sajjad Imannejad, born in 1991, a citizen from Ardabil and resident of Tehran, holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and drafting. He was arrested on 8 October 2022 by security forces in Tehran in connection with the nationwide protests.
He was initially transferred to Greater Tehran Prison and then to Evin Prison. In December 2023, Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Mohammadreza Amouzad, sentenced him to ten years of exile imprisonment in Iranshahr County on the charge of “enmity against God (moharebeh)”. Also, on the charge of “intentional assault and battery with a cold weapon” he was sentenced to one year imprisonment taking into account the days of previous detention and payment of more than two billion and seven hundred million tomans in blood money (diyah) to seven complainants (police-security officers).
The issuance of such sentences alongside the poor physical condition has made the situation of this political prisoner more complicated.
Concern About Physical Health in Prison
Prison conditions, especially for individuals suffering from skeletal and spinal diseases, can exacerbate the physical condition. Lack of sufficient medical facilities, restriction in controlled movement, and delay in specialized care are all factors that can cause irreparable damage.
In the case of Sajjad Imannejad, reports indicate that his movement restriction is increasing and the pains caused by lumbar disc disease continue constantly. Despite this situation, no effective action has been taken so far for immediate transfer and performing the recommended surgery.
Violation of the Right to Access Treatment and Humane Treatment of Prisoners
The deprivation of Sajjad Imannejad from specialized medical care and transfer to medical centers outside the prison, while the treating physician has emphasized the necessity of performing surgery, is an example of violation of international commitments regarding the rights of prisoners.
- Violation of the right to enjoy health and medical services – Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself…, including medical care. Depriving a prisoner of necessary treatment violates this fundamental right.
- Violation of the principle of humane treatment of persons deprived of liberty – 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. Neglect of the medical situation and causing preventable physical suffering is contrary to this principle.
- Violation of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules): According to these rules, prisoners should have access to health services equivalent to those available in the community. Delay or prevention of necessary treatment can be considered inhuman or degrading treatment.
In total, the continuation of the current situation and the failure to provide urgent medical care to Sajjad Imannejad can put his health at serious risk and from a human rights perspective, direct responsibility lies with the responsible institutions.
See also the below articles:
- Death Sentence for Mohammad Abbasi Sparks Human Rights Concerns in Iran
- Execution of 12 Prisoners in Various Prisons
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