Health scare for jailed Iranian activist as prison transfer raises questions

A well-known human rights figure in Iran is facing serious health problems while behind bars. The 50-year-old activist, recognized internationally for her work on women's rights and opposition to capital punishment, reportedly suffered a heart-related emergency in late March. Her condition took a dramatic turn over the weekend when she collapsed twice and experienced severe heart distress, prompting a transfer from prison to a hospital in Zanjan. Medical staff are currently limited to basic oxygen support since more advanced care isn’t available at the facility.Family representatives say her only chance for proper treatment lies with a specialized medical team in Tehran, but no movement has been made to transfer her. The situation highlights broader concerns about healthcare access for prisoners in Iran, especially those with pre-existing conditions. Meanwhile, her legal troubles continue—she was handed a new sentence of seven and a half years just weeks before regional conflicts escalated. Her arrest last year followed public criticism of a government lawyer’s death, which prosecutors called "provocative. " This case reflects the government’s pattern of silencing dissenting voices, even those with international recognition. Critics argue that her imprisonment is politically motivated rather than a response to actual crimes.