Iran Accused of 'Campaign of Revenge' as Doctors Arrested for Treating Protesters

Accusations of a 'Campaign of Revenge' Against Medical Professionals

The Islamic Republic of Iran is facing strong accusations of conducting a 'campaign of revenge' against doctors and healthcare workers who have provided medical assistance to injured anti-government protesters. Human rights organizations and international bodies report a disturbing pattern of arrests and intimidation targeting medical personnel across the country.

Arrests and Severe Charges for Providing Aid

Reports indicate that at least nine doctors and healthcare volunteers have been arrested, with some facing severe charges. Among those detained is Dr. Alireza Golchini, a 52-year-old surgeon from Qazvin, who was arrested on January 10. Dr. Golchini has been charged with 'moharebeh' (waging war against God), an offense that carries the death penalty. His cousin, Nima Golchini, stated that Dr. Golchini was arrested violently in front of his wife and 11-year-old son.

Other reported arrests include:

• Dr. Ameneh Soleimani, a physician and clinic manager in Ardabil, detained after treating injured protesters.
• Dr. Farhad Nadeali, an orthopedic surgeon from Gorgan, arrested for treating the wounded and denouncing alleged massacres.
• Khosrow Minaei, a volunteer aid worker, arrested on January 13 after security forces raided his home.

The Norway-based human rights group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) has reported at least four doctors arrested in Ardabil alone.

Targeting of Medical Facilities and Intimidation Tactics

Security forces have reportedly employed various tactics to prevent medical aid from reaching injured protesters and to intimidate healthcare workers. These include:

• Raiding homes and clinics of medical professionals.
• Deliberately blocking access to medical care for injured protesters.
• Making threatening phone calls to doctors, instructing them not to treat protesters and to report injured individuals to authorities.
• Security forces being present in hospitals to collect personal details of injured patients, fostering an environment of fear that discourages individuals from seeking life-saving care.
• Reports of security forces storming hospitals, using tear gas and live ammunition.

Such actions have led to fears among protesters, who are reportedly avoiding hospital treatment due to concerns of arrest. Medical staff have also noted that the types of injuries sustained by protesters, including those to the eyes and head from birdshot pellets and live ammunition, suggest deliberate targeting by authorities.

International Condemnation and Calls for Release

The international community has voiced strong condemnation over these developments. The US State Department has called for the immediate release of all detained healthcare workers. Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) urged Iran to cease the persecution and detention of medical professionals, emphasizing that healthcare workers are fulfilling their ethical obligations. The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, confirmed reports of attacks disrupting medical services and facilities, including damage to 10 prehospital emergency posts, over 50 paramedics injured, and more than 200 ambulances damaged. Dr. Ghebreyesus also called for the release of any detained health worker, asserting that medical personnel should never face intimidation.