Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Discusses the Plight of Kurdish Women in Evin Prison

IranWire has obtained a recording of an interview conducted by Sepideh Qoliyan with imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi.

The focus of this conversation is the violence and mistreatment endured by a group of Kurdish women at the hands of prison authorities. 

These women were incarcerated in Evin Prison, segregated from other inmates, and prevented from any contact.

Many of these young women were accompanied by their small children.

The prison officials subjected them to torture, depriving them of food, denying them medical attention, and subjecting them to verbal abuse. 

Additionally, many of these women have suffered the loss of their husbands, brothers, or fathers, who were either killed, arrested, or subjected to torture.

Some of these women were coerced into joining radical Islamist groups for ideological or political reasons, while others had no choice and merely accompanied their male relatives. 

Alternatively, some Kurdish families sought refuge in the economic promises offered by militant forces in Iraq, aiming to escape the oppressive conditions in Iran and alleviate their poverty and hardship.

These women were eventually released from Evin in March 2020, having endured immense suffering during their time in prison. 

However, there remains scant information regarding their identities, histories, and fates. The interview was conducted on September 11, 2021.

Qoliyan, a political prisoner, women's rights activist, and civil activist from sourhern Dezful was transferred to the quarantine area of Evin Prison in early 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Describing this section in her newly published book, she depicted a hall approximately 200 meters long, situated near the public barrier, separated from other parts by a large iron door and a barred gate. 

Within this hall were twelve double-decker beds arranged around its perimeter, alongside a small kitchen lacking built-in facilities, two toilets, and a bathroom. 

The entire space was monitored by CCTV cameras lining the ceiling and walls.

In her book, Qoliyan also narrates the experiences of mothers and children residing in this separate section under unusual and challenging circumstances. 

They used colored pencils and crayons to draw on the walls, composed poems, marked the passing days and months of their imprisonment, and signed their creations under the names "Azar" and "Saba."

One particular description in the book captures the essence of a poignant moment: a woman observing a painting on the wall depicting a landscape with coniferous trees, a river, and sunshine, signed "I love you, Azar."

The vivid depiction of nature resonates deeply with the observer, who acknowledges Azar's talent and expresses a desire for the freedom symbolized by the flowing river.

This scene encapsulates the shared humanity and yearning for connection amidst the confines of imprisonment.

Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist and political prisoner, was among those detained in Evin General Ward during this period. 

She endeavoured to support Kurdish women, learning about their plight and advocating for their rights. 

Qoliyan discussed these women with Mohammadi during a brief encounter when Mohammadi was granted medical leave from Bushehr Prison.

The section where these women and their children were held later transitioned into a quarantine area during the COVID-19 pandemic, referred to as "Room 4" or "Band 4."

Entry and Accommodation of Women in Evin Prison

During the interview, Narges Mohammadi responded to Qoliyan's query regarding the entrance of Kurdish women into Evin Prison and their integration with other inmates. 

She recounted events surrounding the refurbishment of an abandoned building near the public ward in the winter of 2018, marked by the sounds of welding. 

Mohammadi learned from prison guards that there were discussions about transferring potentially dangerous prisoners from Qoliyan to this location.

One night, Mohammadi was awakened by a child's voice. The following morning, she was troubled to see six toddlers peering through the fences of the adjacent building. 

Describing an incident, Mohammadi recalled the lack of amenities for the children, only to be rebuffed with claims of security concerns.

"Despite being denied contact, Kurdish women gradually established clandestine communication with other prisoners," she said. 

"This bond extended to sharing cosmetics and receiving support from political prisoners who provided food, toys, and candy for Kurdish children," she added. 

Through secret correspondence, Mohammadi discovered changes in the lifestyle and mindset of one woman, possibly influenced by her interactions with certain forces.

The Kurdish women and their children faced severe restrictions. For instance, they were allowed only one hour of outdoor time per day, with no replacement if missed. Similar strictures were applied to matters like feeding, treatment, and hospital visits.

Expectant Mothers in Evin Prison

Narges Mohammadi recounts the pregnancies of two women: 

"In the winter, when they arrived, two of the women were pregnant. One was already expecting, while the other was two or three months away from giving birth. 

"One of them named her child Abdullah upon his birth. The first was a boy, and the second, a girl named Jenan, was born in March, during the days of Nowruz. 

"One night, I heard a commotion in the corridor again, and I rushed over. I witnessed them taking Jenan's mother away and beating her. 

"She was heavily burdened, unable to walk properly, and I watched from the top of the stairs, tears streaming down my face.

"It struck me deeply that this child didn't have a father present, as her father was killed in Iraq or Syria.

"Typically, when a woman goes into labor, she is accompanied by a loved one—a mother, sister, or husband—who supports her. But this woman... her expression was sombre, and her pain was intense. 

"The authorities confiscated the baby's belongings, usually brought by a loved one, and when they took the mother away that night, they returned her the next day. They didn't allow her to stay in the hospital..."

Feeding Children in Prison: Overcoming Challenges

In this audio file, Narges Mohammadi recounts to Qoliyan the challenges of providing food to children in prison. 

Despite everyone's efforts to offer alternatives to the prison's subpar meals, strict security measures hindered their attempts to provide nourishment.

Even milk and juice purchased from the prison store failed to reach the women.

However, Mohammadi devised a solution: 

"Delivering food was not possible... One day, Jenan's mother, holding Jenan, approached us and lamented that the children were starving.

"We had cooking facilities. I pleaded with Mr. Chaharmahali, the head of the prison, to allow us to cook a meal and deliver it to them. 

"He agreed. We prepared pizzas, pastries, and pots of food. As we opened the door, the children eagerly ran towards us, marking the first time we stepped foot inside their section. 

"The conditions were dire—no sheets on the beds, just a mattress, pillow, and blanket. 

"These children had nothing, not even toys. We proposed purchasing toys for them, but the prison authorities refused. 

"Eventually, we convinced mothers to bring toys during visiting hours."

Mohammadi condemns the prison authorities' strictness and the children's hunger, dubbing it "barbaric."

She recalls how Kurdish women would sneak home-cooked food into the garden during airing time, concealing it behind roses to feed the children. 

This operation conducted clandestinely due to restrictions on bringing utensils and food into the building, was deemed a "security task" by the guards, highlighting the challenges faced in providing even a morsel of food to hungry children.

The Plight of Desperation

In the interview with Qoliyan, Mohammadi delves into the desperation and solitude experienced by these mothers and children, highlighting the children's deep-seated fear of being alone and motherless.

Mohammadi describes their harrowing circumstances: "They were in a dire state... Some men had died, leaving them behind. 

"They felt so forsaken and neglected that despite the dangers here, they contemplated fleeing to the border, thinking, 'Either they'll catch and kill us there, or we'll survive, but we must leave this place' (Iraqi Kurdistan). 

"When they arrived here, the children were emaciated... devoid of vitality. One child, Fatemeh, was particularly frail and listless. 

"Her mother would often embrace her... The moment the mother stepped away, she would wail as if scorched or fallen from great heights. 

She couldn't bear to be separated from their mothers even for a moment, as a result of the bombings, fleeing, destitution, hunger, and loss of family. The father is dead, and she was always crying."

Mohammadi elaborates: "They never basked in sunlight. There were instances when despite being asleep or in the winter chill—like one snowy day when they suggested going out at noon—they were denied. 

"These children were subjected to terrible treatment... worse than in detention centres because they had no access to anything.

"Whenever the children passed by, we deliberately intercepted them to engage in playful interaction, despite repeated warnings from officers.

"Of course, we paid no heed. The agents didn't directly confront us, but they approached the mothers, leading to heated confrontations... These mothers' hearts bled, as they were questioned: 'Why do you allow political women to come near your children?'"

Corona in Prison: Neglect and Suffering

Mohammadi recounts the plight of one child, Fatemeh, suffering from hair loss and skin disease exacerbated by the prison's conditions: lack of air conditioning, sealed doors and windows, and minimal exposure to sunlight due to metal plates covering openings.

Mohammadi recalls the child's worsening condition on the eve of the coronavirus outbreak, citing officers' negligence and the support of fellow prisoners: 

"Jenan's condition deteriorated once more, despite his mother's efforts to seek medical attention.

"That night, we collectively insisted that if Jenan died, it would be the officers' responsibility. Despite promises, the child wasn't taken to a paediatrician; instead, adult acetaminophen was administered, causing the child to lose consciousness. 

"This illness, resembling what later became known as 'Corona,' affected Jenan's mother and another woman severely, both survivors of bombings. 

"Eventually, we, too, fell ill, experiencing the agonizing effects. Witnessing Jenan's resilience was nothing short of miraculous."

Mohammadi, a political prisoner and human rights activist, also addresses the psychological turmoil endured by Kurdish women who have lost loved ones and endured torture, displacement, and despair. 

She shares distressing incidents, such as a mother's breakdown leading to the mistreatment of her child, reflecting the shattered nerves and diminished endurance of these women.

Terrible Sunday: Heart-wrenching Separation

As the day draws to a close, Narges Mohammadi reflects on what she dubs "terrible Sunday."

Mothers were forced to part from their older children, transferring them to another location or entrusting them to relatives or husbands, leaving behind only two babies and a toddler. 

Despite their anguish, mothers cling to hope for better nourishment, sunlight, fresh air, and more humane conditions for their beloved children, while they bravely shoulder the responsibility of caring for the remaining three younger children.

Tears well in Mohammadi's eyes as she addresses Qoliyan: "God, let me die.... These mothers shared their final embrace and played their last games with their children.

It's reminiscent of my own mother... It was agonizing... I recall that night, suffused with sorrow. 

I contemplated the hardships of remaining imprisoned and the agony of the child's departure... The void left by the children couldn't be filled with anything..."

Mohammadi experienced the agony of separation from her twin children, Ali and Kiana, who were just three and a half years old at the time in 2009. 

Her children left Iran at the age of 8 to reunite with their father in France, leaving Mohammadi to spend years in prison, consumed by worry and sustained only by weekly phone calls.

Forced Confession: A Tale of Coerced Release

In the winter of 2019, Kurdish women eventually found liberation from Evin Prison. 

Narges Mohammadi shares a memory from her time in Zanjan Prison with Qoliyan: 

"In December, as they departed Evin, I was incarcerated in Zanjan. I noticed that the TV program 'Khabar 20:30' was airing a film.

"They had featured Azar, but upon hearing her voice, I was taken aback.... Later, during their release, 'Khabar 20:30' aired a report stating that Kurdish women who had been imprisoned for two years, under the Islamic Republic of Iran, were set free based on their coerced confessions, repentance letters, and admissions of guilt."

Narrator of Pain and Defender of Prisoners' Rights

In the culmination of her discussion with Qoliyan, Narges Mohammadi delves into the stark realities faced by these women: the bitterness of their fate, the humiliations endured, threats from family and society, and the unrelenting ache for their children. 

Some women, coerced or with no choice, accompanied their families into harrowing circumstances, grappling with decisions as dire as suicide to escape their plight. 

Mohammadi recounts a confrontation with officers who had insulted a Kurdish woman, challenging their cruelty and questioning their motives. 

Her plea condemns the officers' actions, highlighting the relentless torment endured by these women at the hands of authority. 

The narrative shifts to encompass a broader truth: the plight of these women is not isolated, but emblematic of systemic injustices inflicted upon prisoners, obscured from public view within the confines of prisons and torture centres.

These women stand not alone in their suffering; they are part of a larger narrative of oppression. 

Human rights organizations, civil activists, and champions of women's rights like Mohammadi and Qoliyan have long served as advocates, amplifying the voices of those silenced by the machinery of the Islamic Republic's governance. 

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Both Mohammadi and Qoliyan have been recognized among the BBC's 100 influential women in 2022. 

Furthermore, Mohammadi's courageous advocacy earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, a testament to her unwavering commitment to leading protests for freedom and human rights.