Takatom Ramezani dies after denial of timely medical care in prison

Hengaw – Friday, August 14, 2026

Takatom Ramezani, a 37-year-old woman held in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, died after authorities deliberately delayed medical treatment and failed to transfer her to an outside hospital in time.

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Ramezani, from Mashhad, died on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Ward 2 of the women’s section after her gallbladder ruptured.

Informed sources told Hengaw that Ramezani had suffered severe abdominal and gallbladder pain for four days before her death. Despite her deteriorating condition and repeated requests by her and fellow prisoners, medical staff and prison officials refused to urgently transfer her to a specialized hospital. Her gallbladder subsequently ruptured, resulting in her death.

Ramezani had previously been arrested and sentenced to prison on drug-related charges. During her imprisonment, she worked collecting waste inside the facility.