Nineteen women on hunger strike in Qarchak Prison after death of political prisoner

Hengaw – Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Nineteen female political prisoners in Qarchak Varamin Prison have launched a hunger strike to protest inhumane detention conditions and the death of fellow prisoner Somayeh Rashidi.
According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the strike began on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following Rashidi’s death, deteriorating conditions in Qarchak, and what prisoners described as the irresponsible conduct of prison authorities. The action, announced in advance, is planned to last two days.
The protest also reflects frustration over the authorities’ refusal to transfer the women to Evin Prison despite its reconstruction and the return of male prisoners there. Qarchak officials’ harsh treatment, which contributed to Rashidi’s death, has further fueled the strike.
Rashidi, 42, was arrested in May for writing slogans. She suffered repeated seizures in Qarchak and was denied medical care. On September 16, she fell into a coma after an epileptic attack and died on September 25.
More than 60 women were transferred to Qarchak after the Israeli attack on Evin Prison. Over 100 days later, their situation remains critical, yet Iranian authorities continue to block their return to Evin.
In the past month alone, three women—Rashidi, Jamileh Azizi, and Soudabeh Asadi—have died in Qarchak due to lack of medical treatment and systematic denial of health services.
Last week, after women resisted a ward inspection, prison officials imposed new restrictions, including forcing detainees to wear slippers during transfers and canceling in-person visits. These measures have added to the pressure and highlighted the prison’s degrading conditions.
Qarchak Varamin has long been identified as one of the most unsuitable prisons for women in Iran. It lacks basic hygiene and medical facilities, and conditions—particularly in the quarantine ward and metal sheds—are described as inhumane. Chronic shortages of clean drinking water, lack of ventilation, and inadequate medical care are among the most serious concerns.
The detention of elderly women, those with serious illnesses, and even mothers with young children without separation or support services has deepened the crisis. Arbitrary restrictions, intimidation, and violent reprisals against prisoners’ protests have raised serious concerns for the lives and dignity of women detained in Qarchak.