Harsh Sentence and Torture: The Story of Ahwazi Political Prisoner Hassan Al-Naseri

Ahwazi political prisoner Hassan Al-Naseri has returned to prison after a 14-day medical leave. He was transferred back to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, following a temporary release granted by the authorities due to his deteriorating health condition.

This comes after he spent a long period in Iranian prisons, serving a 20-year sentence on charges related to “propaganda against the Iranian regime” and “acting against the Islamic Republic.”

Hassan Al-Naseri, a political activist from the city of Sus, northern Ahwaz, was arrested in January 2011. He was later tried by the Revolutionary Court on charges of “waging war against God,” “acting against national security,” and “establishing relations with foreign countries”—accusations frequently used by Iranian authorities to suppress Ahwazi political activists and undermine political protest movements.

Following his arrest, Al-Naseri endured several months of physical and psychological torture at the hands of Iranian intelligence in Ahwaz before being transferred to Mashhad Prison. After spending years there, he was later moved to an open prison facility.

Despite his worsening health condition, Hassan Al-Naseri was only granted a brief 14-day medical leave before being returned to prison. A source close to him reported that his health had significantly deteriorated during his incarceration due to the severe torture and harsh treatment he endured, which eventually necessitated medical leave.

Despite his poor health, the 20-year prison sentence remains in effect and is being enforced at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad.

The Iranian authorities continue to target Ahwazi activists and dissidents through political arrests and harsh sentences, reflecting a blatant disregard for human rights in the region.

Reports indicate that Ahwazi activists like Hassan Al-Naseri face inhumane conditions in prison, including physical and psychological torture—evidence of the repressive policies imposed by Iranian authorities against the Ahwazi people and political activists.