Transfer of Mehdi Vafaei Sani to Ghezel Hesar;

Torture and Beating of Political Prisoners in the Shadow of Intensified SuSevere Beating of Mehdi Vafaei Sani, Transfer to Solitary Confinement and Lack of News Regarding Health Status; Pressure on Political Prisoners Has Increased Following Recent Executions

Iran Human Rights Society, Thursday, April 23, 2026 – Received reports indicate the transfer of Mehdi Vafaei Sani, a political prisoner, to solitary confinement cells in Ghezel Hesar Prison; a transfer that was accompanied by severe beatings and the infliction of torture. This event occurred under conditions where pressure on political prisoners has significantly increased following recent executions.

How Was the Transfer of Mehdi Vafaei Sani to Ghezel Hesar Carried Out?

According to received reports, Mehdi Vafaei Sani was summoned from Ward 7 of Evin Prison on April 12, 2026, and transferred to solitary confinement cells in Ghezel Hesar Prison. This transfer was carried out suddenly and without prior notice, and he was deprived of taking personal belongings and even his required medications.

According to informed sources, the reason for this transfer was the holding of a ceremony in commemoration of six executed political prisoners and the distribution of food among prisoners; an action that was met with a severe reaction from security agencies.

Severe Beating of Prisoners During the Transfer Process

Reports indicate that Mehdi Vafaei Sani, along with several other political prisoners including Mir-Yousef Younesi, Mohsen Pirayesh, Vahid Sorkh-Gol, and Ali Sheydaei, were subjected to severe beatings while in handcuffs and shackles after exiting Evin’s Ward 7.

The intensity of these encounters was such that, according to reports, blood flowed from the ears, mouths, and noses of these prisoners. These behaviors took place while they were in conditions completely under the control of the agents.

Torture and Detention in Solitary Confinement Cells of Unit 3 of Ghezel Hesar

After the transfer, these prisoners were moved to solitary confinement cells in Unit 3 of Ghezel Hesar Prison; a section that, according to sources, is managed under the supervision of intelligence agencies.

In this location, reports have been published regarding the shaving of the prisoners’ heads and the infliction of torture against them. Furthermore, these prisoners are being held in conditions where basic facilities are limited and the detention space has been described as unsuitable.

Group Detention in Harsh Conditions and Lack of News Regarding Health Status

Based on existing information, Mehdi Vafaei Sani, along with several other prisoners including Abolfazl Rahbari, Omid Rahbari, Farshid Dolatyari, and two prisoners with unidentified identities, are being held in one cell. This cell contains a toilet and bath within its limited space.

Regarding the health status of these prisoners, except for Mir-Yousef Younesi who was transferred to another ward, no precise information is available. This lack of news has increased concerns regarding their physical and psychological condition.

Intensification of Pressure on Political Prisoners Following Executions

The transfer and treatment of Mehdi Vafaei Sani and other prisoners occurred in conditions where, following the execution of a number of political prisoners, pressures on prisoners have increased.

Observers believe these actions are carried out in line with controlling the atmosphere of the prisons and preventing any protest reactions. The crackdown on holding memorial ceremonies is also evaluated within this same framework.

Case Records of Mehdi Vafaei Sani

Mehdi Vafaei Sani, born in 1984, was arrested in June 2022 and sentenced to six years of mandatory imprisonment on charges including “propaganda against the state” and “assembly and collusion.” Prior to the recent transfer, he was being held in Ward 7 of Evin Prison.

His family has also faced security pressures. His mother, Shiva Esmaeili, has been sentenced to ten years in prison and is being held in Evin Prison. Additionally, his cousin, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, is facing a death sentence.

Concerns Regarding the Lives of Prisoners and Requests for Investigation

Given the reports related to torture, beatings, and detention conditions, concerns regarding the lives of Mehdi Vafaei Sani and other prisoners have increased. The absence of precise information about their status has intensified these concerns.

In this regard, requests for investigating the status of these prisoners have been raised by human rights and international organizations.

Violation of Fundamental Rights of Prisoners in the Process of Transfer and Detention

Beatings, torture, and detention in unsuitable conditions indicate a widespread violation of the human rights of political prisoners.

Violated Articles:

Violation of the Prohibition of Torture – Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: The infliction of torture and the beating of prisoners is an instance of inhumane and degrading treatment.
Violation of Liberty and Security of Person – Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Sudden transfer and detention in unknown conditions violates the individual security of the prisoners.
Violation of the Right to Health – Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Lack of access to medical services and suitable conditions endangers the health of the prisoners.
Violation of Human Dignity – Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Violent behavior and unsuitable detention conditions call the human dignity of the prisoners into question.

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