According to information received by the Karoon Human Rights Organization, Mokhtar Al-Boushoka, an Ahwazi Arab political prisoner serving a 25-year prison sentence, entered the third day of his hunger strike on Monday, September 21, 2026, in protest against his transfer from Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz to Arak Prison.
The Ahwazi Arab political prisoner began his hunger strike on Saturday, September 19, demanding to be returned to Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz. He has described his transfer to Arak Prison as unlawful and carried out without the required legal and judicial procedures. He also considers the transfer to be a security-related and retaliatory measure.
Health Condition and Hunger Strike
Mokhtar Al-Boushoka suffers from a hernia and, according to informed sources, has been deprived of adequate medical care despite requiring treatment.
On the third day of his hunger strike, following a deterioration in his physical condition, Al-Boushoka was transferred to the prison quarantine ward, where he is currently under observation and supervision. Informed sources have described his physical condition as highly concerning.
Transfer to Arak and New Case
According to information received, Mokhtar Al-Boushoka’s transfer to Arak Prison was carried out on the orders of Amir Khalafian, the Prosecutor of Ahwaz.
Following his transfer to Arak, the political prisoner was also subjected to a new case and sentenced to an additional 10 years and one day in discretionary imprisonment on charges of “communicating from inside the prison with political prisoners released from Sheiban Prison.”
Exile from Sheiban to Arak
Mokhtar Al-Boushoka and another Ahwazi Arab political prisoner, Nazem Breihi, were transferred from Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz to Arak Prison on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
The transfer took place while Al-Boushoka had already been imprisoned continuously since 2011, without being granted even a single day of leave, first in the former Karoon Prison and subsequently in Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz.
Transfer to PAVA Detention Facility and Reports of Torture
Previously, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Mokhtar Al-Boushoka was transferred from Ahwaz Central Prison (Sheiban) to a detention facility operated by the Public Security Police (PAVA) of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command.
According to informed sources, he was subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure and torture during the transfer and throughout his detention at the facility.
The political prisoner has suffered from a hernia for years, and reports indicate that security pressure, repeated transfers, exile, and reported mistreatment have seriously worsened his physical condition.
Life Sentence Reduced to 25 Years and One Day
The Karoon Human Rights Organization previously reported that the life sentences of three Ahwazi Arab political prisoners—Mohammad Ali Amouri, Mokhtar Al-Boushoka, and Jaber Al-Boushoka, residents of Khalafieh (Ramshir)—were reduced to 25 years and one day after they had spent more than 15 years in prison.
Mokhtar Al-Boushoka has been serving his sentence since 2010, first in the former Karoon Prison in Ahwaz before its closure and subsequently in Ahwaz Central Prison (Sheiban).
According to reports received, despite suffering from multiple health conditions, Mokhtar and Jaber Al-Boushoka continue to be denied medical leave. Their requests for medical leave have so far been rejected, raising further concerns about their physical condition.
The “Al-Hiwar” Case
The “Al-Hiwar” case, meaning “dialogue,” is among the judicial cases involving these Ahwazi Arab political prisoners and is also associated with Mokhtar Al-Boushoka.
The Karoon Human Rights Organization expresses serious concern over the physical condition of this political prisoner and his continued hunger strike, now in its third day. The organization condemns his transfer to Arak Prison, the filing of new cases against him, the imposition of lengthy prison sentences, and his deprivation of adequate medical care.
The organization calls for immediate medical attention for Mokhtar Al-Boushoka, an end to security pressure against him, his return to Sheiban Prison in Ahwaz, and full respect for the legal and human rights of this Ahwazi Arab political prisoner.
