Sedigheh Vasmaghi, a writer and Islamic scholar detained in Evin prison, has detailed her distress due to "torture" and lack of medical attention in a letter addressed to the United Nations fact-finding mission about Iran.
She wrote in the letter, "For more than 40 days, I have been brutally and violently arrested by agents under the order of the leader of the Islamic Republic, on the charge of removing a headscarf. I have endured torture."
In her letter, published by Radio Farda, Vasmaghi recounted her recent detention experience and implored human rights institutions, including the United Nations fact-finding mission, the Human Rights Committee, and the special rapporteur of the organization to stop the Islamic Republic from oppressing women.
Vasmaghi highlighted her experience and the plight of other female prisoners, stressing that security and judicial institutions in Iran deploy various means to pressure political detainees into silence and compliance.
The scholar affirmed being interrogated without legal representation and returned to Evin while grappling with vision impairment.
She also detailed the challenges posed by her lack of vision in performing daily tasks and the denial of visitation rights due to her refusal to comply with mandatory hijab regulations in prison.
Vasmaghi underscored that despite severe health issues, including fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, she did not receive adequate medical attention until her condition became critical and necessitated hospitalization.
Vasmaghi was arrested by security forces on March 16 and detained at Evin prison.
She faces charges of "propaganda against the Islamic Republic" and "public appearance without hijab."
Her case is being heard by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.
Since March 24, Vasmaghi has been denied family visits due to her refusal to comply with mandatory hijab regulations.
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