Iranian Political Prisoner Denied Vital Medical Care

Iranian authorities are preventing Hamzeh Savari, a political prisoner held in Ghezelhesar prison, near Tehran, from receiving necessary medical treatment, IranWire reports. 

Savari, one of the longest-serving political prisoners since 2005 with a life sentence, was diagnosed with a Baker's cyst behind his right knee five years ago. 

Due to deliberate delays by prison authorities in getting him treated, the cyst grew, causing severe pain as it moved under the tendon of his leg.

In addition to the cyst, Savari has been suffering for 11 years from varicocele – the enlargement of veins in the scrotum. He developed this condition during his lengthy imprisonment. 

Although he underwent surgery for varicocele nine years ago, it recurred three years later.

Savari is not alone in being denied medical care due to neglect by prison authorities. 

Earlier, Ahmadreza Haeri, another political prisoner, was prohibited from being sent to the Farabi Ophthalmology Hospital in Tehran. 

Haeri's protest against being handcuffed during his transfer led to him being denied medical care, endangering his vision.