The overall situation of political prisoners in Iran remains deeply concerning. Many civil activists, journalists, women’s rights advocates, labour activists, and members of ethnic and religious minorities have been arrested on security-related charges and sentenced to heavy prison terms.
Now, three days after the start of the war, widespread internet shutdowns, disruptions in phone services, and even power outages in some cities have severely limited communication with political prisoners.
This has increased the concerns of families and human rights organizations, as it has become almost impossible to obtain accurate information about prison conditions. So far, however, there have been no confirmed reports of official changes in general prison conditions.
The main issue at present is the severe psychological pressure on political prisoners. Complete isolation from the outside world, lack of information about their families, and the tense security atmosphere have intensified fear, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity among them.
Prisoners such as Zeynab Jalalian, Varisheh Moradi, and Pakhshan Azizi are facing heightened concerns in this environment, especially given the history of security pressures against Kurdish political and civil activists.
In some cities, including Sanandaj (Sine), there have been reports that facilities affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard and the Ministry of Intelligence have been targeted. There are serious concerns that some recent protest detainees may have been held in such locations. This raises fears about their safety, particularly if tensions continue to escalate.
So far, recent airstrikes and security developments have not led to any visible change in the authorities’ overall approach, and the security atmosphere appears to be intensifying. Under these circumstances, protecting the lives and basic rights of political prisoners must be treated as an urgent priority.