Based on reports received by the Hana Human Rights Organization, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, a Kurdish prisoner identified as Abdolhadi Sheikhapour died of cardiac arrest at Mahabad Central Prison.’
Sheikhapour, who was married and the father of two children, was originally from the village of Kulseh Sofla and a resident of Sardasht County.
According to Hana’s sources, in the days leading up to his death, the prisoner repeatedly sought medical assistance at the prison clinic due to severe chest pain. However, he was reportedly returned to his ward each time without undergoing a specialist examination or receiving adequate medical treatment.
It is worth noting that Abdolhadi Sheikhapour had been arrested approximately 13 years ago on charges related to drug offenses and financial matters and was serving a prison sentence.
Under Articles 22 and 29 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as Article 102 of the Executive Regulations of the Prisons Organization, prison authorities are legally obligated to safeguard prisoners’ lives and ensure their immediate access to medical care.
At the international level, the denial of effective medical treatment constitutes a violation of the right to life under Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and may also amount to inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 7 of the same covenant.
Given the preventable nature of the death and the alleged negligence of the responsible authorities, this case may give rise to criminal, administrative, and civil liability for the relevant institutions.