According to reports, a number of political prisoners are in critical condition in Gohardasht [Rajayishahr] Prison in Karaj and have been denied medical treatment.
Political prisoner Abbas Esfandiari, 57, who was a political prisoner during the 80’s has been in critical condition for some months now and is reportedly suffering from leukemia. He has problems breathing and in some cases, the color of his face turns dark as a result of his respiratory problem. Mr. Esfandiari also has trouble speaking and he is mostly confined to his bed. Despite his critical condition, interrogators of the intelligence agency and Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolat Abadi prevent his transfer to the hospital. His medical records for his transfer to hospital were sent to the Tehran Prosecutor some time ago, but no measures have been taken for his transfer. This political prisoner is losing his physical strength on a daily basis and he is nearing a point of no return.
Esfandiari was arrested in 2009 during the post-election protests on charges of supporting the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran and after severe torture in cellblock 209 in Evin Prison, he was transferred to cellblock 350 and then to Gohardasht Prison.
Alireza Kheirabadi, 60, is suffering from serious heart and prostate problems. In a recent check by the prison medic, he was told that his heart had lost 25 percent of its ability and that his condition was dangerous. The doctor sent his medical records to the Tehran Prosecutor for his transfer to the hospital but no measures have been taken in this regard.
Political prisoner Jafar Eqdami who is suffering from a severe and unknown pain in his muscles and nerves, is barely able to walk. He has been denied serious treatment six months after his unknown ailment and agents of the intelligence agency and the Tehran Prosecutor have prevented his treatment in a hospital outside of prison.
Political prisoner Keivan Samimi is suffering from heart and liver problems but has been prevented from receiving treatment outside of prison.
Other political prisoners such as Zaniar Moradi, Meisaq Yazdan Nejad, and Reza Sharifi Bukan among others are suffering from various ailments but have been denied treatment. (Human Rights and Democracy Activists in Iran – Jan. 29, 2012)