Ghezel Hesar prison in critical condition amid war: militarization, suspended visits, and food shortages

Hengaw – Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Following escalating military tensions and the outbreak of conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, conditions inside Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj have deteriorated to an unprecedented level. According to internal sources within the facility — which currently holds more than 16,000 prisoners — authorities have imposed extraordinary security measures while severely restricting inmates’ basic rights.

Militarization of the prison environment

Through conversations with several prisoners held in Ghezel Hesar Prison, Hengaw has learned that authorities have deployed large numbers of security forces and anti-riot units throughout the prison compound and inside multiple wards.

Sources say the measures were introduced out of concern over potential unrest among prisoners during wartime conditions. As a result, the prison environment has effectively been transformed into a militarized security zone, creating intense psychological pressure on both inmates and their families.

Complete suspension of communication and family visits

In clear violation of Iran’s prison regulations, authorities have suspended all in-person and cabin visits between prisoners and their families since the start of the recent conflict.

According to reports received by Hengaw, the suspension of visits has now lasted approximately 11 days, leaving prisoners in complete isolation from their families. Such restrictions — particularly when prolonged — may constitute psychological pressure and collective punishment against detainees.

Unfulfilled judicial promises and bail manipulation

According to prison sources, officials from the prison administration and judicial authorities based in Ghezel Hesar initially promised prisoners that temporary releases could be granted upon payment of bail in order to calm tensions inside the facility.

However, despite many families expressing readiness to provide bail, these promises have not been implemented, and prisoners remain in custody. Sources say the promises were largely used as a tactic to contain growing frustration among inmates.

Food shortages and declining living conditions

Reports from inside the prison indicate a sharp deterioration in both the quality and quantity of food rations provided to prisoners.

At the same time, prison stores are experiencing severe shortages of basic food supplies, while prisoners’ access to supplementary food and essential goods has been heavily restricted.

Combined with the extreme overcrowding inside the facility, these shortages are raising serious concerns about malnutrition and the spread of infectious diseases among inmates.

Human rights warning

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights warns that Iranian authorities may be using wartime conditions as a pretext to intensify repression and disregard the fundamental rights of prisoners.

Under Articles 9 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), even during states of emergency, authorities remain obligated to respect the dignity and basic rights of individuals deprived of their liberty.

Hengaw calls on international institutions and Mai Sato, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, to urgently monitor the situation of the approximately 16,000 prisoners currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison, many of whom are being kept under severe security conditions and deprived of basic rights.

Ghezel Hesar Prison was originally designed to hold around 5,000 inmates, yet it currently houses nearly 16,000 prisoners — more than three times its intended capacity.

The situation worsened in 2023, when Rajai Shahr Prison in Karaj was closed and many of its inmates were transferred to Ghezel Hesar. As a result, Ghezel Hesar has become one of the most overcrowded prisons in Iran, significantly exacerbating humanitarian and health risks within the facility.