ABC blog

Imprisoned Iranian political activist Arash Sadeqi has been returned to medically threatening conditions at Raja’i Shahr prison following a preliminary surgical procedure contrary to a physicians’ orders, Abdorrahman Boroumand Center has learned.

An informed source tells ABC that Sadeqi underwent a major preliminary surgical procedure intended to obtain a tumor sample for biopsy and to attach a piece of thigh bone to a section of humerus previously affected by a tumor. The source reports that Sadei’s doctor has stressed that he will need to be examined at a hospital in the coming week. Prison officials’ denial of medical and other information to Sadeqi’s family and loves ones complicate efforts to determine the exact nature of the treatment he is receiving for a diagnosis of chondosarcoma made earlier this month.

Given unsanitary conditions in his cell at Raja’i Shahr prison, there is concern that his surgical wounds could become infected and gravely affect his already-weakened health.

Sadeqi was transferred back to Raja’i Shahr on September 15 despite the fact that a physician ordered him to remain under medical supervision in a hospital for 25 days. Sadeqi has been hospitalized since September 11. He remained in handcuffs and ankle chains accompanied by prison guards for the duration and officials denied him even the shortest meeting with his family. The case prosecutor’s authorization document makes no mention of such shackling, however, and even refers to family visitations.

During Sadeqi’s hospital stay, authorities closed the curtains around his bed contrary to medical orders that Sadeqi was to be kept in view of cameras under medical supervision at all times. When hospital personnel objected to this treatment, prison agents stated that their orders had come directly from Raja’i Shahr prison warden Gholamreza Ziya’i and security unit commander Mas’oud Zolfa’ali.

The video below depicts Sadeqi recovering from his surgery: