IRAN: PRISONERS IN IRAN AT RISK DURING ONGOING US AND ISRAELI STRIKES

Dear Mr. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei,

Amid air strikes by the United States and Israel near prisons and the targeting of security facilities where detainees are commonly held, the Iranian authorities have released some prisoners, according to reports by human rights defenders. However, the authorities are refusing to release all those arbitrarily detained, including those held for political reasons, and refusing to grant temporary humanitarian release to others, knowingly leaving them at grave risk of death or serious harm. Detained children are amongst those at risk.

I am also gravely concerned that Iranian authorities are denying prisoners adequate food and water, and subjecting some to enforced disappearance, as well as torture and other ill-treatment, including in reprisal for protesting.

I urge you to immediately release those arbitrarily detained, including for financial debt, and to grant humanitarian release to other prisoners, especially pre-trial detainees; those convicted of minor, non-violent offenses; and those eligible for conditional release, and to disclose the fate and whereabouts of all prisoners to their families. I further urge you to fulfill Iran’s obligation under international humanitarian law to remove, to the extent feasible, all prisoners and other civilians from the vicinity of military objectives. I call on you to take all necessary measures to protect the right to life and health of all prisoners, end torture and other ill-treatment, ensure access to adequate food, water, and medical care, and to treat all prisoners humanely in line with international standards. Full internet access must also be immediately restored. I also urge you to grant access to international monitors.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]