Zeinab Jalalian, a Kurdish woman, marks a distressing milestone as she enters her 17th year of incarceration in Iran, becoming the longest-held and sole female political prisoner in the country to be sentenced to life.
Jalalian’s prolonged imprisonment in Yazd prison underlines a grave narrative of torture, deprivation of medical rights, and unlawful transfers across various detention facilities, spotlighting Iran’s concerning human rights practices.
Prison Ordeal and Unlawful Transfers
Arrested in Kermanshah on February 26, 2008, Jalalian’s journey through Iran’s prison system has been marred by illegal and forceful relocations. Initially detained in Khoy prison, she found herself abruptly transferred to Qarchak, then to Kerman prison following a hunger strike amidst a battle with Covid-19, with a plea to return to Khoy. Despite her critical health condition, she was later moved to Kermanshah prison, a decision initially resisted due to her deteriorating health.
Deteriorating Health in Detention
Jalalian’s health has alarmingly declined during her imprisonment, further exacerbated by a second bout of Covid-19 in Yazd Prison. Suffering from lung and asthma issues, along with pre-existing conditions like kidney and digestive problems, her health state is dire. Lacking adequate medical care, she was also placed in a public room alongside individuals with severe health issues, aggravating her own health further.
Isolation from Family and Restricted Communication
For over two and a half years, Jalalian has been isolated from her family, with the geographical distance and security restrictions barring any visits. Her communication has been severely limited, with only weekly phone calls permitted with her parents. Intelligence agents have threatened further repercussions if any information regarding her condition is disclosed, tightening the grip on her already limited freedom.
Legal Anomalies and Family Harassment
Jalalian’s lawyers argue that her continued detention violates the new Islamic Penal Law enacted in 2013, advocating for her release. In a stark demonstration of the regime’s intolerance to dissent, her family members were arrested following a plea for her release, only to be released after intense interrogation and threats against publicizing her plight or engaging with human rights bodies.
Urgent Call for Release
As Jalalian faces her 17th Nowruz in prison, her story is a poignant reminder of the persistent human rights violations in Iran. Her dire health condition, coupled with the absence of medical care, family contact, and the harassment faced by her family, calls for immediate international attention. The Iranian authorities are urged to release Zeinab Jalalian, ensuring her rights and dignity are finally upheld.
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