Iranian Death Row Prisoner Shot Dead During Hospital Escape Attempt

Iranian police shot and killed a death row inmate who attempted to escape from a Tehran hospital on Saturday, sparking protests at the prison where he had been held for 20 years.

Aydin Shari’atmadar was killed at Imam Ali Hospital after overpowering guards with the help of armed individuals believed to be relatives, HRANA human rights website reported.

Shari’atmadar had been transferred from Ghezelhesar Prison in Karaj to the hospital for treatment of internal bleeding.

Police opened fire after issuing a warning when he tried to flee.

His death triggered demonstrations at Ghezelhesar, where dozens of inmates chanted “Freedom or death” and prevented prison yard gates from closing for several hours.

The protests led to an increased security presence at the facility.

Unconfirmed reports mention limited clashes between prisoners and guards, though authorities have not issued any official statements about the incident.

Shari’atmadar had been on death row since 2005. The circumstances of his original conviction were not immediately clear.