Iranian Political Prisoner Shahroudi Denied Urgent Medical Attention

Iranian political prisoner Abbas Vahidian Shahroudi says he needs urgent medical treatment for an acute skin problem affecting his feet.

In an audio message sent from Mashhad’s Vakil Abad prison on September 23, Shahroudi said that the skin on the soles of his feet is torn and that all his toes are bleeding. 

Every step he takes leads to excruciating pain, he said, adding that he is unaware of the nature of his skin problem and its underlying causes because he has not been provided medical assistance.

Earlier, various human rights sources had raised alarm over his deteriorating physical condition.

Skin disorders are a recurring issue among inmates in Iran, primarily caused by appalling health conditions and lack of timely medical treatments in prisons.

Shahroudi is a civil activist and writer. He is one of the signatories of an open letter released in June 2029 demanding the resignation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and fundamental changes to the constitution. 

After the publication of the letter, Shahroudi was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment on charges of "actions against national security" and "collaboration with groups opposed to the system."

He had previously been arrested and convicted in 2018 due to his civil and political activities.