Three Women Die in Iran's Qarchak Prison Amid Allegations of Medical Neglect

Tragic Deaths Unfold at Qarchak Prison

In a deeply concerning series of events, three women prisoners—Somayeh Rashidi, Jamileh Azizi, and Soudabeh Asadi—died in Iran's Qarchak Women's Prison during September 2025, reportedly due to the denial or severe delay of essential medical care. These deaths have intensified scrutiny on the conditions within Iranian penal institutions, particularly the notorious Qarchak facility, located southeast of Tehran.

Details of the Deceased

The individual circumstances surrounding each death paint a grim picture of medical neglect:

• Soudabeh Asadi: Imprisoned on financial charges, Asadi died on September 16, 2025, after enduring days of suffering without being transferred to a hospital.
• Jamileh Azizi: A mother of two held on debt-related charges, Azizi reportedly died on September 19, 2025. She was taken to the prison clinic with signs of a heart attack, but medical staff allegedly failed to provide serious treatment, sending her back to her cell where she died shortly thereafter.
• Somayeh Rashidi: A 42-year-old political prisoner with epilepsy, Rashidi died on September 25, 2025. Arrested in April 2025 for writing slogans, she required continuous medical attention. Her death occurred in a hospital following a delayed transfer after she suffered seizures in prison.

These incidents follow the death of another inmate, Farzaneh Bijanipour, who also died in Qarchak Prison on January 11, 2025, due to medical neglect.

Systemic Neglect and Inhumane Conditions

Qarchak Prison, also known as Shahr-e Rey prison, is widely recognized for its severe overcrowding and deplorable conditions. Reports indicate the facility houses over 4,000 inmates, primarily women, yet is served by only one doctor and one medical assistant, leading to frequent neglect of urgent health needs. Human rights organizations have consistently highlighted the prison's lack of basic necessities, including clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, and proper ventilation. The systematic denial of medical care is described by some as a deliberate policy, amounting to 'silent state murder' and a form of torture. Prisoners often face accusations of 'faking illness' when seeking treatment, and transfers to external medical facilities are frequently delayed or denied.

International Condemnation and Calls for Action

The deaths have drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations and international bodies. The United States, through its State Department, accused Iran of 'gross human rights violations' and 'brutal denial of medical care' following these deaths. Calls for the immediate closure of Qarchak Prison have intensified, with human rights groups urging the international community to demand accountability from Iranian authorities and to ensure prisoners receive timely medical treatment. The prison has previously been sanctioned by both the United States and the European Union due to its notorious human rights record.