Tehran, July 9, 2024 – In a tragic and determined act of protest, Iranian political prisoner Khaled Pirzadeh has reportedly set himself on fireplace, sustaining extreme accidents. Pirzadeh, who has been imprisoned since 2019 for his activism and criticism of the Iranian authorities, resorted to self-immolation to attract consideration to his plight and the broader difficulty of human rights abuses in Iran.
According to sources inside the jail and statements from his household, Pirzadeh’s situation is essential. He suffered intensive burns and is presently receiving remedy in a jail medical facility, although his household and human rights organizations have expressed grave considerations in regards to the adequacy of the care he’s receiving.
Pirzadeh’s act of self-immolation follows months of reported deterioration in his well being because of harsh jail circumstances and an absence of correct medical remedy. His household has repeatedly appealed to the authorities for his launch or switch to a medical facility, however these requests have been denied.
In a poignant message launched by his lawyer earlier than the incident, Pirzadeh expressed his despair over his remedy and the shortage of response to his and different prisoners’ circumstances. “I can not endure this struggling in silence,” he wrote. “I hope my sacrifice will make clear the injustices we face and spur motion to avoid wasting others.”
The incident has sparked a global outcry, with human rights organizations and activists condemning the Iranian authorities’s remedy of political prisoners. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have issued pressing requires Pirzadeh’s speedy launch and switch to a hospital the place he can obtain the mandatory specialised care.
Pirzadeh’s self-immolation has additionally intensified requires broader reforms in Iran’s jail system and the remedy of political detainees. Several European governments and human rights our bodies have condemned the incident and demanded pressing motion from Iranian authorities.
In response, the Iranian authorities has remained largely silent, although some officers have made imprecise statements about investigating the incident. The lack of concrete motion has solely fueled additional criticism and calls for for accountability.
Pirzadeh’s household, devastated by the information, continues to enchantment for worldwide intervention. “Khaled’s act was a cry for assist and justice,” his spouse mentioned in an announcement. “We want the world to listen to his cry and stand with us to make sure he receives the care he wants and to struggle for the rights of all political prisoners in Iran.”
As the state of affairs develops, the worldwide neighborhood watches intently, hoping that this tragic act will result in significant modifications and enhancements within the remedy of prisoners in Iran.