Political prisoner Miryousef Yunesi, 73, was transferred to a general ward after 9 days in “secure cells”; increased executions and pressure have heightened concerns
Iran Human Rights Society, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 – Miryousef Yunesi, a 73-year-old political prisoner, was transferred to the general ward of this prison 9 days after being transferred from Evin Prison to Qezl-e-Hsar Prison in Karaj. This transfer was made in a situation where reports indicate an intensification of pressure on political prisoners and an increase in executions since the beginning of this year.
What are the details of Miryousef Yunesi’s transfer to Qezl-e-Hsar Prison?
According to published reports, Miryousef Yunesi was transferred from Evin Prison to Qezl-e-Hsar Prison about 9 days ago and has been held in the “secure cells” of this prison during this time. He has now been transferred to the general ward four of this prison.
Reza Younesi, the son of this political prisoner, announced in a statement that his father has been held under severe restrictions during this period, along with other prisoners transferred from Evin. These restrictions have included harsh conditions and double controls.
Physical condition and concerns about the health of this political prisoner
Mir Younesi is 73 years old and, according to sources close to the family, is not in good physical condition. Keeping elderly people in harsh prison conditions always raises serious concerns about their health.
Human rights experts emphasize that elderly prisoners require special medical care and proper detention conditions. However, reports show that such conditions are not provided in many cases, which can put their health at risk.
What was Mir Younesi’s arrest record like?
Mir Younesi was arrested on December 28, 2022, during nationwide protests, by plainclothes officers without a judicial warrant at his home in Shahrood. The arrest was carried out without legal transparency and was fraught with ambiguity from the start.
After the arrest, officers also visited his family’s home in Tehran and confiscated their personal belongings. There have also been reports of inappropriate treatment of family members, including insults and psychological pressure.
Solitary confinement and severe restrictions
According to available information, Miryousef Younesi was held in solitary confinement in Wards 209 and 240 of Evin Prison for 107 days after his arrest. This long period of solitary confinement has been consistently criticized by human rights organizations.
After this period, he was transferred to a general ward, but the conditions of detention continued to be accompanied by significant restrictions.
Judicial proceedings and restrictions on defense
In December 2023, Miryousef Younesi was sentenced to five years of imprisonment by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court. His case was heard on January 10 of that year, but according to his family, he was not taken to court because he refused to wear prison clothes.
It has also been reported that his lawyers were not allowed to defend themselves in this session. This issue has been raised as one of the violations of the right to a fair trial.
Intensification of pressure on political prisoners in war conditions
The transfer of Miryousef Yunesi to Qezilhassar prison took place in conditions where reports indicate increased pressure on political prisoners. Especially in the current atmosphere where war conditions have overshadowed the public space, restrictions and security clashes have also increased.
Observers believe that these conditions have been used as a tool to intensify control over prisoners and further restrict them.
Significant increase in executions of political prisoners since the beginning of the year
Along with these developments, reports show that since the beginning of this year, the executions of political prisoners have increased significantly. This trend has increased concerns about the fate of other prisoners.
In such an atmosphere, the transfer of prisoners to new locations and detention in uncertain conditions could be a sign of increased pressure and the possibility of more stringent measures.
Pressure on prisoners’ families; Double concern
In addition to the pressure on the prisoners themselves, their families are also facing serious problems. Geographical distance, restrictions on visits, and the lack of accurate information about the prisoners’ condition put a lot of psychological pressure on the families.
In the case of Miryusef Yunesi, his family is also facing serious concerns about his health and detention conditions.
Violations of the rights of elderly and political prisoners during the transfer and detention process
The transfer of Miryusof Yunesi, prolonged solitary confinement, and restrictions on access to basic rights indicate widespread violations of the fundamental rights of prisoners.
Articles violated:
- Violation of the prohibition of torture – Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Prolonged solitary confinement and the imposition of psychological pressure constitute inhuman treatment.
- Violation of the right to a fair trial – Article 10 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
The denial of access to lawyers and restrictions on the proceedings violate the principles of a fair trial.
- Violation of the right to health – Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
The failure to provide adequate conditions for elderly prisoners endangers their health.
- Violation of human dignity – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:
Inadequate conditions of detention and pressure on prisoners and families violate human dignity.
See also the below articles:
- Execution of Mehdi Farid in News Silence; Ambiguity in Court Proceedings and Sentencing
- Execution of Amirali Mirjafari from those arrested in the nationwide protests of 2025-2026
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