NCRI – A large number of inmates in Gohardasht prison have fallen sick due to contamination of drinking water, some of whom are in critical state. Leakage of sewage system into drinking water supply in the prison has been going on for almost a month. Drinking water for prisoners is supplied from a water well. Prisoners are currently suffering from kidney and digestive problems, diarrhea, nausea, headaches and lethargy.
In addition, supply of this water is often cut off for several hours everyday causing more problems. Sewage leak into the drinking water stream and its foul smell is constant bother for the prisoners and they cannot use the water even when it is running.
Lack of warm water also makes bathing a problem that causes various skin diseases. Most of bathrooms in ward 6 are out of use. There are only three to four bathrooms available for more than 600 prisoners. Leakage of contaminated water from upper levels in the prison building has deteriorated the state of hygiene for inhabitants in lower levels.
Over crowded prisons which is the result of high number of arrests in recent months has increased the spread of contagious diseases.
To increase pressure on inmates, the prison authorities have removed mineral water and other drinks from the prison shop, hence forcing them to drink the contaminated water.
Prisoners are refused access to specialist physicians. The medical center in the prison which lacks minimum standards was closed for many days during Iranian New Year holidays.
The Iranian Resistance calls on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and relevant rapporteurs as well as human rights organizations to condemn the inhumane prison condition and calls for immediate international measures to save the lives of prisoners, especially the political prisoners who are living in extremely poor conditions.
Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran
April 10, 2010
