Bahman Kermelu dies in Ghezel Hesar Prison after denial of medical care

Hengaw – Wednesday, November 5, 2025

A prisoner held in Ghezel Hesar Prison near Karaj, Bahman Kermelu, has died from cardiac arrest after authorities refused to transfer him to a medical facility despite urgent need.

According to information obtained by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the 50-year-old was serving a sentence on drug-related charges in Unit 4, Ward 20, Section 1 of Ghezel Hesar. Kermelu suffered a cardiac arrest on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and died after prison officials failed to transfer him for urgent medical care.

Sources told Hengaw that Kermelu had a known heart condition and had been summoned by the prison doctor. However, he was prevented from seeking treatment due to pressure and threats from the workshop supervisor, who warned that his work permit would be revoked if he missed his shift. Kermelu worked in the prison’s industrial workshops.

In the days before his death, he reportedly visited the prison infirmary several times during afternoon hours and underwent an electrocardiogram. Medical staff instructed him to return during regular office hours for further evaluation. Due to restrictions imposed by the workshop administration, he was unable to return and later suffered fatal cardiac arrest as officials again failed to transfer him to a medical facility.

Kermelu had spent more than fourteen years of his sentence in detention.