According to reports received by Karun Human Rights Organization, Nazem Bereihi, an Ahwazi Arab political prisoner serving a life sentence, is experiencing a serious deterioration in his physical condition on the seventh day of his hunger strike in Sheiban Prison, Ahwaz.
Informed sources describe Bereihi’s health as critical, citing severe hypotension and extreme physical weakness, which have required his transfer to the prison infirmary on several occasions. Despite this, no adequate or effective medical treatment has reportedly been provided.
Security authorities reportedly attempted on Wednesday to coerce Bereihi into ending his hunger strike, but these efforts were unsuccessful. In response, Bereihi demanded a direct meeting with the security officials overseeing his case.
Previously, Karun reported that security forces violently assaulted Bereihi inside Ward 5 after he resisted transfer to solitary confinement. Following the beating, officers reportedly restrained his hands and feet and forcibly removed him from the ward, transferring him to solitary confinement.
This occurred despite Bereihi’s formal written warning that transfer to solitary confinement—particularly while on hunger strike—would pose a serious and immediate risk to his life. Nonetheless, prison and security officials ignored these warnings and intensified pressure, further worsening his detention conditions.
According to sources, Bereihi is currently continuing his hunger strike in solitary confinement, despite suffering from chronic medical conditions, including kidney disease, joint inflammation, and persistent pain.
Karun Human Rights Organization has strongly condemned the assault and forced transfer of Nazem Bereihi, describing the actions as torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. The organization has called for:
- the immediate termination of solitary confinement,
- unrestricted access to independent medical care, and
- accountability for responsible prison, security, and judicial authorities.
Nazem Bereihi, a civil activist from Hamidiyeh, born in 1986, was arrested on September 10, 2005, along with six other activists. After seven months of interrogation and torture, he was initially sentenced to death on charges including “acting against national security,” “corruption on earth,” and “enmity against God.” The sentence was later overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court and reduced to life imprisonment.
Despite having served more than twenty years, Bereihi has never been granted prison leave.
