According to obtained information, instead of addressing the legitimate demands of these prisoners, the authorities at Lakan Prison in Rasht have transferred Masoud Bidarigh to solitary confinement.
Reports from Lakan Prison indicate the start of a protest hunger strike by three political prisoners—Manouchehr Fallah, Masoud Bidarigh, and Peyman Farahavar—who have taken this action due to deprivation of basic rights, increased pressure, and the authorities’ disregard for their situation. The hunger strike began on Sunday, August 10, and is still ongoing.
Hunger Strike Began with Masoud Bidarigh’s Protest
Masoud Bidarigh, a well-known boxer from Gilan province and a recognized sports figure, cited repeated denial of his right to leave prison and the authorities’ refusal to respond to his repeated requests as the reason for starting the strike. He has long been held in poor physical and mental conditions in the Misagh ward of Lakan Prison, stressing that prison officials have shown complete disregard for his situation, even rejecting simple requests such as medical leave.
Following Bidarigh’s hunger strike, two other political prisoners, Manouchehr Fallah and Peyman Farahavar, also joined the protest in solidarity with him and to object to the oppressive conditions in the prison. Both of these prisoners are currently under death sentences.
Transfer to Solitary Confinement
According to obtained information, instead of responding to the prisoners’ legitimate demands, Lakan Prison authorities transferred Masoud Bidarigh to solitary confinement. Sources inside the prison say this transfer was intended not only as punishment but also to inflict further psychological and physical pressure.
Bidarigh’s History of Protest
Bidarigh had previously, in the winter of 2025, protested against the issuance and execution of Manouchehr Fallah’s death sentence by appearing in front of the main gate of Lakan Prison. At that time, he stressed that death sentences against political and ideological prisoners are not only unjust but also contrary to human rights standards and human dignity.
The Situation of Manouchehr Fallah and Peyman Farahavar
Manouchehr Fallah and Peyman Farahavar, both participating in this hunger strike, are under death sentences. Human rights activists say their trials involved blatant violations of defendants’ rights, including denial of access to independent lawyers, physical and psychological coercion, and the extraction of forced confessions.
Disregard for Human Rights Warnings
Despite repeated warnings from human rights organizations, Lakan Prison authorities and the regime’s judiciary continue their policy of ignoring the dire conditions of political and ideological prisoners. Human rights activists say this systematic indifference is part of the broader policy of the regime to suppress dissent and restrict citizens’ rights.
