Cartoon (27): When Ahmadinejad Visits Evin

When Ahmadinejad Visits Evin
Iranian media reported on October 4 that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was planning to visit the entirety of Evin Prison, including parts under the control of the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). Since June 2012, Ahmadinejad’s media advisor Ali Akbar Javanfekr has been imprisoned at Evin, a case Ahmadinejad noted he would pursue. Dozens of prisoners of conscience opposed to Ahmadinejad’s policies are currently being held in Evin Prison as well.

While a date for his visit was not announced, on October 10 the Judicial Authority preemptively denied Ahmadinejad permission to visit the prison, and warned they would prevent the visit should he arrive. Ahmadinejad’s office has neither confirmed nor denied any planned visit. After eight years of his presidency without ever having visited the prison and having constantly referred to the independence of the Judiciary, it is unclear why Ahmadinejad is now interested in visiting Evin Prison.

The UN Special Rapporteur “continues to receive reports about disturbing prison conditions and treatment of detainees,” according to his most recent report on the situation of human rights in Iran, released October 11, 2012.