1/5 Today we received news that a prisoner in #US citizen #SiamakNamazi’s cell and bunk bed row has contracted #COVID19. Although this news is unsurprising considering the rampant spread of #COVID19 and terrible prison conditions in #Iran, it is nevertheless devastating.
2/5 The cellmate’s sister, @KRadjabi, tweeted this message, explaining that her brother had been taken to the hospital for a separate issue and had tested positive for #COVID19 prior to going into surgery. He is now being kept in prison quarantine. https://twitter.com/KRadjabi/status/1252927676781940736">https://twitter.com/KRadjabi/...
3/5 This situation was PREDICTABLE and AVOIDABLE. Yet despite recently extending furloughs for over 100K prisoners, the #Iran judiciary has adamantly and irresponsibly refused to grant Siamak furlough. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-iran/iran-extends-prison-furloughs-as-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-idUSKBN21G0DV?il=0">https://www.reuters.com/article/u...
4/5 As a prisoner who has served over 1/3 of his sentence, Siamak qualifies for furlough under Iranian law. The refusal to grant him this right, among many others, is a conscious choice by #Iran’s judiciary to continuously and recklessly jeopardize his life. Why?!?!
5/5 #Iran must reverse its decision IMMEDIATELY and allow Siamak to safely self-quarantine outside of Evin prison, both to preserve his health and that of others. If there was ever a time to show some humanity, it is now. #FreetheNamazis #FreeIranHostages @FreeTheNamazis