The closure of prisons in Iran and the transfer of prisoners to other prisons in the province or new buildings – especially in recent years – is an unprecedented matter. In fact, according to the Sixth Development Plan, the Prison Organization and Correctional and Rehabilitation Measures of the country are obligated to expedite the transfer of 20 prisons within the city limits, with priority given to major cities, to outside the cities. This action, under the title of building renovation, is being carried out due to the lack of prison space and, especially, the placement of prisons in urban areas after urban development in recent decades.

In February 2016, after the opening of the Great Tehran Prison (Fashafouyeh), men accused of public crimes (except for some male prisoners accused of financial crimes) were transferred from Evin, Rajai Shahr (Gohardasht), and Qezelhesar prisons to the Great Tehran Prison. (1) Previously, with the change of use of the endowment building to a prison and its name to Qarchak Varamin Prison, female prisoners were transferred there. This transfer took place while the Hrana news agency described the conditions of the Great Tehran Prison as “disastrous” in a report. (2) 

Women in Qarchak Varamin prison have been facing the problem of lack of drinking water and frequent interruptions in hot water supply for bathing since the beginning.

During these transfers, due to poor management, lack of preparation and adequate facilities in destination prisons, prisoners faced problems such as lack of basic human needs like sufficient sleeping space, clean drinking water and proper ventilation. These factors, apart from considering the geographical location and urban infrastructure needs for establishing or changing the use of prison buildings, are the cause of these problems. Water shortages and frequent interruptions, as well as the lack of sufficient capacity for city sewage, are other issues that have continued until now and can be addressed separately. The performance of the prison organization and the judiciary as a whole does not have a record that shows a priority for preserving the health and respecting the human dignity of prisoners.

Recently, news has been published about the transfer of Rajai Shahr prison in Karaj. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of the judiciary, has stated: “Rajai Shahr prison, which is located inside the city of Karaj, must be transferred outside the city as soon as possible and its current location should be relieved of its prison status and the necessary actions should be taken afterwards.” (3).

The name of this prison, since the 1957 revolution, has been associated with widespread violations of human rights, inhumane treatment of prisoners, and a high number of executions. These conditions led to the prison being sanctioned by the US Department of Treasury and the European Union after nationwide protests in December 2017 and November 2018 in Iran. In the latest action, Allah Karam Azizi, the head of this prison, has also been sanctioned by the US Department of Treasury in recent months.

Although so far, there are no specific details about how prisoners are transferred or the establishment of a prison in the outskirts of the city for prisoners of Rajai Shahr prison, in case of permanent or temporary closure of this prison, a large number of prisoners accused of public and violent crimes will likely be transferred to Tehran’s Great Prison and Qezelhesar Prison. If unused sections of Tehran’s Great Prison are utilized or new units are opened in this prison, the problem of overcrowding will be solved, but equipping these buildings is a separate issue.

In addition, the establishment of a new prison building in Rajai Shahr outside the urban area raises an important question about the responsibility of equipping the prison. The equipment and provision of basic living facilities by the Prison Organization is a serious issue. Previously, in similar situations, prisoners transferred from Evin Prison to the newly established prison in Greater Tehran were forced to buy basic living facilities such as refrigerators, carpets, dishes, etc. Therefore, it is predictable that this pattern will be repeated.

In addition, if this infamous prison is permanently closed, which has repeatedly been listed as a violation of human rights in the list of human rights sanctions, it could be perceived as a better face for the judicial power and the Islamic Republic as a whole to the world. Because one of Iran’s notorious prisons, where a significant percentage of executions in the country take place, will be closed. Although this statement is not sincere, it can be considered as “one” of the reasons for the closure of any prison that is notorious for violating human rights, such as Rajai Shahr and Evin.

In the event of permanent or temporary closure of this prison, the fate of political and ideological prisoners is also shrouded in uncertainty. Will these prisoners, who were previously transferred to Rajai Shahr prison as exiles, be returned to Evin prison? If there is a possibility of transfer to prisons in Tehran and Qezelhesar, the failure to observe the principle of separating crimes from fundamental concerns for the health and lives of these prisoners will be a cause for concern. Clashes and murder of prisoners are not uncommon in these prisons. The most famous example is Alireza Shir-Mohammad-Ali (4), who was killed at the age of 21 due to being held in Tehran’s main prison and the failure to observe the principle of separating crimes, by multiple stab wounds. He became a victim of the failure to uphold the law.

In general, what is clear is the definite responsibility of the prison organization and at a higher level, the judicial power of the Islamic Republic for ensuring the health, human dignity, and preservation of the lives of prisoners.

Notes:

1- The transfer of 3500 prisoners from Evin, Rajai Shahr, and Qazalhasar to the Great Tehran Prison.

Hirana News Agency.

July 15th, 2015

2- Here violence and pollution reign; a report about Tehran’s Grand Prison.

Hirana News Agency.

August 10th, 2015

3- The order of the head of the judiciary to the head of the prison organization regarding the closure of Rajai Shahr prison.

Irna.

“April 10th, 2023.”

4- Killing a 21-year-old political prisoner in Fashafouyeh prison.

“Baby Farsi.”

“21st of Khordad, 1398.”