Asma Jahangir, expressed her deep concern about more than 20 political prisoners of Gohardasht prison

I urge the Government of Iran to look for a prompt solution to the extreme situation created by the hunger strike through good faith dialogue about the grievances and underlying human rights violations

Iran, 31 August 2017-- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran, Asma Jahangir, Thursday expressed her deep concern about the situation of more than 20 political prisoners who have been on prolonged hunger strike to protest against their transfer to a high-security section of Gohardasht prison in Karaj, West of Tehran, and about their treatment while in detention.

  The National Council of Resistance of Iran has expressed grave concern over the health and security of political prisoners on hunger strike

A statement published by Ms Jahangir said: “I am deeply alarmed by reports about the deteriorating medical conditions of the prisoners on hunger strike, and that their torture and ill-treatment have continued since their transfer”.

In late July, political prisoners in Ward 4, Hall 12 of Gohardasht Prison were including some members of Bahai community transferred to unbearable conditions in Hall 10, which is completely isolated and constantly monitored by 40 closed circuit cameras and 64 listening devices. All windows are sealed with metal plates, preventing any ventilation, and the hall lacks clean running water.

“Depriving prisoners of having family contact, lawyers and adequate medical care is contrary to international law,” the rights expert said.

“I urge the Government of Iran to look for a prompt solution to the extreme situation created by the hunger strike through good faith dialogue about the grievances and underlying human rights violations, ensuring full respect for their dignity and autonomy,” she concluded.

There are currently about 25 prisoners on hunger strike demanding their return to Hall 12 and the return of all personal belongings.

Abbas Jafari- Dolatabadi, the Prosecutor General of Tehran, who is currently on the EU sanctions list for gross and pervasive violations of human rights, said on August 23, 'We say to some prisoners who go on hunger strike and make other threats that these actions have failed, and the judiciary will not surrender.'

His remarks highlight the regime’s lack of respect for the minimum rights of prisoners, while also hinting at further threats. Nonetheless, other prisoners have declared their solidarity or joined the hunger strike.

Over the past few weeks, political prisoners in Iran’s Gohardasht Prison have been protesting against the intensified suppressive measures in the facility. The inmates’ hunger strike has garnered wide support by political prisoners throughout the country.

The National Council of Resistance of Iran has expressed grave concern over the health and security of political prisoners on hunger strike. It has been calling on all international human rights organizations, especially the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur ofHuman Rights in Iran, and the Special Rapporteur on Torture to take urgent action to save their lives.
Supporters of the Iranian Resistance have shown support with worldwide rallies and their own symbolic hunger strikes.

On August 23, Amnesty International issued a statement regarding “Mass hunger strike by political prisoners in protest at inhumane conditions. Amnesty International’ s Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director said: “By detaining dozens of prisoners of conscience after grossly unfair trials the Iranian authorities are already shamelessly flouting their human rights obligations. These are people who shouldn’t even be behind bars in the first place, yet instead of being released from custody they are being punished further by being held in appalling conditions.”

This statement by Ms. Jahangir has been endorsed by the Special Rapporteurs on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, Dainius Pûras, and on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed.