Mohammad Akbari Monfared, a disabled political prisoner, faces inhumane conditions in Fashafouyeh Prison. Urgent action is needed to save his life.
Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, July 14, 2025 – Mohammad Akbari Monfared, a 58-year-old political prisoner, endures dire circumstances in Tehran’s Fashafouyeh Prison. His health deteriorates rapidly due to congenital leg paralysis and multiple illnesses, including heart disease, neurological issues, prostate problems, and high blood pressure. Yet, prison authorities deny him basic medical care and mobility aids, exacerbating his suffering. This article sheds light on his plight, the inhumane conditions he faces, and the urgent need for global intervention to protect his rights.
Inhumane Conditions Worsen Mohammad Akbari Monfared’s Health
Fashafouyeh Prison subjects Mohammad Akbari Monfared to catastrophic conditions. Unable to walk without assistance, he relies on a walker or cane for limited mobility. However, one of his canes went missing during an attack on Evin Prison, leaving him dependent on other inmates for basic tasks. Prison officials have failed to provide a wheelchair, a fixed toilet, or a hygienic environment suitable for a disabled person. Consequently, his physical health declines, and his mobility worsens daily.
Moreover, Mohammad suffers from severe medical issues, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Despite these conditions, authorities withhold essential services like blood pressure checks, heart examinations, and specialized medications. Such neglect violates his right to a healthy life and amounts to “white torture,” a cruel tactic to break political prisoners. His situation demands immediate attention from human rights advocates worldwide.
A History of Political Persecution
Mohammad Akbari Monfared’s political activism began in the 1980s, marking him as a target for Iran’s regime. During the 2022 nationwide protests, authorities arrested him, subjecting him to five months of solitary confinement in Evin Prison’s Ward 209. There, he faced intense interrogations and repeated execution threats. These experiences highlight the regime’s systematic efforts to silence dissent.
On January 22, 2025, security forces re-arrested Mohammad during a violent raid on his home, just two days after detaining his 22-year-old son, Amirhossein Akbari Monfared. The raid involved unlawful entry, physical assault, and no judicial warrant, violating basic citizenship rights. Both father and son were taken to the IRGC intelligence detention center before their transfer to Fashafouyeh Prison. These actions reflect a pattern of persecution against the Akbari Monfared family.
Family Ties to Maryam Akbari Monfared
Mohammad is closely related to Maryam Akbari Monfared, one of Iran’s longest-serving female political prisoners. Arrested in January 2010, Maryam has served over 15 years without a single day of furlough. She seeks justice for her three brothers and one sister, executed in the 1980s for their affiliation with the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK). Her activism has led to intensified judicial pressure, including an additional two-year sentence in 2023. The regime’s targeting of the Akbari Monfared family underscores its fear of their unyielding pursuit of accountability.
Human Rights Violations in Fashafouyeh Prison
Mohammad Akbari Monfared’s case reveals gross violations of international human rights standards:
- Article 22, Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Everyone deserves social security and access to essential rights. Denying Mohammad medical care and mobility aids violates his right to dignity and health.
- Article 5, Universal Declaration of Human Rights: No one should face torture or inhumane treatment. The lack of medical facilities and harsh prison conditions constitute cruel treatment.
- Article 10, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Prisoners must be treated with humanity and respect. Fashafouyeh’s overcrowded, unsanitary environment contradicts this principle.
- Fair Trial Principles: Mohammad’s arrest without a warrant, coupled with threats and prolonged solitary confinement, breaches fair trial standards.
These violations highlight the regime’s deliberate strategy to punish political dissidents through neglect and cruelty.
Urgent Call for Global Action
Mohammad Akbari Monfared’s critical condition demands immediate action. Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, must investigate his case and pressure Iran’s regime to provide urgent medical care. Furthermore, UN Special Rapporteurs should visit Fashafouyeh Prison to assess the inhumane conditions and advocate for Mohammad’s rights.
Activists, journalists, and the international community must amplify Mohammad’s story to prevent his suffering from fading into silence. His family’s history of resistance, including Maryam’s enduring fight, serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Iran’s political prisoners. However, without global intervention, Mohammad’s life remains at risk.
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