21-Year-Old Political Prisoner Moved to General Ward

Bibi Zahra Mousavi, a 21-year-old political prisoner from Fariman who has been in detention since January 20, was transferred in recent days from the women’s political ward of Mashhad’s Vakilabad Prison to the quarantine ward and subsequently to the women’s general ward, a move that has heightened concerns among her family and relatives regarding her safety and health.

According to published reports, Mousavi, who was previously held in the “Aramesh” ward, the special ward for female political prisoners, was transferred on Monday to Women’s Ward One, a facility where ordinary prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes and drug-related offenses, are held.

The charges brought against her are cited as “participating in protests,” “propaganda and incitement to commit crimes,” “establishing a group,” and “acting against national security.” Mousavi, whose mother is Iranian and father is Afghan, was the breadwinner for her family before her arrest.

Informed sources state that Bibi Zahra Mousavi spent approximately four months of her detention period in solitary confinement. According to the issued verdict, she has been sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison, of which six and a half years are suspended, leaving an enforceable sentence of four years of discretionary imprisonment.

Concurrently, her family and relatives have expressed deep concern over the consequences of her transfer to the general ward. According to knowledgeable sources, holding political prisoners alongside inmates convicted of general crimes can expose them to greater dangers and pressure.

The legal organization Dadban has also pointed to the detention conditions of protesters and political prisoners, emphasizing the necessity of respecting prisoners’ rights, providing transparent information regarding their status, and documenting potential cases of human rights violations.