Christian Prisoner in Iran's Shiraz in Critical Condition

By Jeremy Reynalds
Senior Correspondent for ASSIST News Service

SHIRAZ, IRAN (ANS) -- One of the Christian prisoners in Adel-Abad prison in Shiraz is in critical condition, suffering from a lack of much needed medical care.

Shiraz is the fifth most populous city in Iran.

According to a story by Mohabat Christian News Service,  Vahid Hakkani is suffering from internal bleeding of the digestive system. Prison doctors say he is in urgent need of surgery.

According to Mohabat News, prison officials have not transferred him to a hospital. Hakkani's condition is reportedly critical.

Mohabat News said prisoners in the ward where Hakkani is being incarcerated are denied minimum care "and time to get fresh air."

Mohabat News said many of those imprisoned in this area (used especially for prisoners of conscience) are experiencing physical and mental difficulties.

In addition, Mohabat News commented, "Because these prisoners are taken to medical centers with their hands and feet chained and are humiliated, they do not readily express (a) personal interest (in being) transferred to hospital."

Mohabat News said Hakkani, together with Mojtaba Seyyed-Alaedin Hossein, Mohammad-Reza Partoei (also known as Koroush), and Homayoun Shokouhi, were arrested as they gathered for worship in a house church on Feb. 8 2012.

Mohabat News said these individuals, as well as a number of other Christian believers there at the house church, were arrested for participating in house church services, evangelizing and promoting Christianity, having contact with foreign Christian ministries, propagating against the regime and disturbing national security.

According to the report, Mohabat News said, although it is one year since these four Christian converts were arrested, they are still facing an uncertain future, awaiting the decision of the court.

Mohabat News commented, "The Islamic regime of Iran has been restricting and pressuring political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, both mentally and physically, causing illness for them. They don't stop there, but make the situation even more difficult by delaying or denying medical care for them."