Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iran, April 2, 2020—More than 1,000 inmates of Yazd Central Prison in central Iran held a rally on Wednesday morning local time, April 1, protesting the threat of coronavirus spreading in the facility, the authorities’ refusal to provide even temporary leave, and forcing them to participate in mass prayers and religious ceremonies. This gathering was held in the prison courtyard and authorities responded by dispatching security units to launch a ruthless attack against the inmates, leaving at least five prisoners wounded as a result.
Reports indicate inmates of wards 6 and 8 held this gathering in the prison courtyard, and authorities ordered the prison’s security guards to launch a vicious attack with batons. The angry inmates showed resistance and responded by breaking the ward’s windows. Units of anti-riot guards were then ordered to station inside and in areas adjacent to the facility.
More than 15,500 people have died of coronavirus in 237 cities checkered across all of Iran's 31 provinces, according to the Iranian opposition PMOI/MEK.#Iran#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/98G3gWN9sa
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 1, 2020
In Urmia, northwest Iran, regime authorities launched a vicious attack against inmates of this city’s prison on Tuesday night local time, March 31. Reports indicate the attack took place after a number of the inmates intended to launch a riot, yet authorities had previously learned of their intentions.
Following this attack, the Urmia prison authorities pulled out eight death row inmates from wards 14 and 15, dragging them outside and transferred them to the prison courtyard. Units of the anti-riot guard forces initially blindfolded these inmates, chained their feet and cuffed their hands behind their backs. All eight inmates were transferred to an unknown location.
In other reports regarding the coronavirus epidemic in Iran, the virus is spreading in various military bases and barracks across the country. Commanders of the regime’s classic army are not taking any action in response and soldiers are fleeing their bases or refusing to return after leave. Reports indicate 50 percent of these bases are empty as we speak.
Reports indicate a number of soldiers are infected with COVID-19 in a base in Birjand, a city in South Khorasan Province located in eastern Iran. Reports of this development has resulted in a wave of concerns and panic among the personnel stationed at this base, resulting in a number of soldiers fleeing the base on Monday, March 30. The situation at this base is currently described as very hectic and chaotic. Fearing this phenomenon gaining momentum, officials have ordered security forces to control all entrances and exits to Iran’s cities.
There are also reports of coronavirus spreading among the ranks of the regime’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). Incoming reports from Iran on March 31 show 82 individuals in the Sadoughi Hospital of Isfahan, a facility belonging to the IRGC, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
One senior officer of the regime’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), going by the name of Haj Tavasoli, is among those infected with COVID-19.
Reports indicate the number of coronavirus deaths are very high and authorities are going the distance to keep a lid on this matter. The dead bodies are reportedly being buried in a valley between the cities of Isfahan and Zibashahr, central Iran.
Following reports of riots and inmates fleeing due to the coronavirus spread in prisons across the country, a source inside Iran reported a riot in Ghezel Hesar Prison of Karaj, west of Tehran, on Wednesday, April 1.
April 1 – Riot in Ghezel Hesar Prison of Karaj, west of Tehran, #Iran
Source indicates a riot broke out in the facility's "Death Row Hall" & authorities dispatched armed guards to the rooftops. Hygiene conditions are atrocious as & the status quo is very tense, source adds. pic.twitter.com/HRvgJ6KrHa— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) April 2, 2020
“Today I received news from inside Ghezel Hesar Prison of a riot in the ‘Death Row Hall,’” a report from inside Iran indicates. “One of my relatives who is held there called me today at 3 pm and said protests had started in the so-called ‘Death Row Hall’ and prison guards are taking severe action. Authorities have stationed guards upon rooftops and cancelled all free air time for the inmates. Conditions in the prison are chaotic and the atmosphere is very tense. Hygiene conditions and food in the prison are very poor. The food rations are very low.”
