An Iranian Arab political prisoner who has been serving a life sentence was granted medical leave on Saturday after spending 15 years in custody without any parole.
The prisoner’s health had deteriorated significantly during his long imprisonment. Despite suffering from serious medical conditions, he was kept in custody until the recent decision allowed him temporary medical leave.
"After 15 years behind bars, this medical leave comes as a relief to both the prisoner and his family who have long demanded proper healthcare," a human rights activist said.
This medical leave is a rare concession by the Iranian authorities and highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of political prisoners in Iran. It also brings attention to the plight of ethnic minorities, such as Iranian Arabs, facing harsh sentences for political reasons.
Granting medical leave to a long-imprisoned political detainee underscores critical human rights issues in Iran while providing a brief respite after years of harsh confinement.