Iranian Political Prisoner Denied Husband's Visits for Two Years

An Iranian political prisoner has been denied visits from her husband throughout her two-year detention at Qarchak Prison, her lawyer, Hossein Taj, reported.

Maryam Akbari Monfared, imprisoned since 2009, is currently serving an additional two-year sentence after completing her original 15-year term.

Prison authorities have repeatedly blocked her husband's visits, claiming they cannot verify the couple's marital status with the Civil Registration Office.

"Despite the prosecutor's order permitting these visits, prison officials continue to prevent them," Taj said.

While Monfared's daughters are allowed cabin visits, her husband can still not see her.

Monfared was first arrested in December 2009 during protests against that year's presidential election results.

Judge Abulqasem Salavati of Tehran's Revolutionary Court sentenced her to 15 years. She was never granted temporary leave during her detention at Semnan Prison.

After completing her original sentence, Monfared faced new charges. She was subsequently convicted of "spreading falsehoods and propaganda against the Islamic Republic," resulting in an additional two-year term, according to her lawyer.

"While prison regulations allow for weekly cabin visits and occasional face-to-face meetings, these rights are being denied to Ms. Monfared," said Taj. 

He also noted that even the standard monthly in-person visits typically granted to prisoners are not extended to his client at Qarchak Women's Prison.

Taj said that although Monfared's current sentence runs until October 2026, there may be legal provisions that could result in her early release.