Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 28 April 2026: Conditions for prisoners in Tabriz Central Prison have deteriorated significantly since the start of the war. Reports indicate that prison security forces have raided wards with dogs and attacked prisoners, exacerbating a severe lack of basic necessities, the systemic denial of medical care, and widespread bedbug and lice infestations.
According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, conditions in Tabriz Central Prison have severely deteriorated since the Israel-US war against Iran began on 28 February 2026.
An informed source told IHRNGO: "On 7 March, security forces raided one of the wards accompanied by eight dogs which attacked at least three prisoners named Vahid Najafi, Habib Baghban, and Mehran Khoshbakht, causing severe leg injuries. They are detained on drug-related charges."
Detailing the attack, the source noted that the dogs bit Vahid Najafi's leg, while Habib Baghban went into severe shock. The trauma temporarily rendered Baghban unable to speak, and he has since developed a persistent stutter. Mehran Khoshbakht also sustained injuries during the raid. "Despite the severity of their injuries, prison guards completely ignored their condition and didn’t transfer them to the infirmary,” the source added
The guards purportedly raided the wards under the pretext of searching for drugs and mobile phones. However, the source noted that nothing was found and the operation merely served to spread fear and panic among the inmate population.
"About 100 prisoners were sent on furlough after posting heavy bail," the source stated. "However, political prisoners and death row prisoners were denied furlough and kept behind bars."
The source also highlighted a wave of recent detentions, reporting that approximately 30 individuals have been brought to the prison on charges of "communicating with networks abroad." He added: "Five others, including one woman, were arrested for raising the monarchist flag at a wedding in Tabriz and have been held in detention for around two months."
Since the war began, the prison commissary closed, leading to a drastic decline in both the quality and quantity of food. Deprived of essential supplies, the prison kitchen has been unable to provide adequate meals.
Medical services have also been severely impacted. "Some prisoners in Ward 4 who rely on their families for medication were denied access to it for a period," the source reported. "In several cases, this resulted in seizures, yet authorities failed to provide any effective medical intervention."
Among those affected is Shahrokh Amiri, a man convicted of murder, who suffered multiple seizures after his family was prevented from delivering his medication. Heightened security restrictions have heavily curtailed movement within the facility, further hindering prisoners’ ability to seek medical follow-ups.
Sanitary conditions in the wards are deplorable, leading to widespread illness. While the wards and corridors were previously fumigated on a regular basis, this practice has been suspended for the past two months, resulting in severe bedbug and lice infestations in the bedding and living areas.
Furthermore, prisoners report a total lack of hot water in the showers. Forcing prisoners to bathe in cold water has only exacerbated the spread of illness within the facility.