Female prisoner dies due to medical neglect in Qarchak Prison

Hengaw: Monday, January 13, 2025

Farzaneh Bijanipour, a female prisoner held in Qarchak Varamin Prison in Tehran Province, has died due to medical neglect and obstruction by prison authorities.

According to a report received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Bijanipour, who was convicted of common crimes and detained in Ward Six of Qarchak Women’s Prison, passed away on the evening of Saturday, January 11, 2025. Her death resulted from the failure to provide adequate medical care and the refusal to allow her access to external healthcare services.

A source familiar with the incident revealed that Bijanipour had sought medical attention at the prison infirmary on Saturday evening after her condition worsened. However, infirmary staff dismissed her complaints, accusing her of feigning illness. Later that night, as her condition deteriorated further, she returned to the infirmary, where she was only given a single painkiller.

Shortly afterward, Bijanipour lost consciousness and was rushed back to the infirmary in critical condition. Despite efforts to stabilize her, she passed away shortly after being admitted.

In response to this incident, prisoners in Ward Six of Qarchak Prison staged a hunger strike on Sunday, January 12, 2025, protesting the medical neglect and indifference displayed by prison authorities and medical staff.