Iran Denies Responsibility For Iranian-American Inmate Death
Tehran has denied responsibility for the inadequate medical care of an Iranian-American inmate who died in prison on Saturday.
Tehran has denied responsibility for the inadequate medical care of an Iranian-American inmate who died in prison on Saturday.
Amid media reports suggesting negligence as the cause of Faramarz Javidzad's death, the Tehran Province Prison Administration issued a statement denying the allegations. Some media reports suggest that he was a Jewish-Iranian.
Javidzad’s health had been deteriorating for several days before he was transferred to the prison clinic on Friday night. However, following an initial medical examination, he was returned to his cell, purportedly at the discretion of prison authorities who prevented his hospitalization, as reported by IranWire.
Responding to the concerns raised, the Tehran Prisons Administration said, "The inmate was transferred to the infirmary immediately on Saturday, and CPR procedures were performed in the presence of a physician, nurse, and emergency personnel. Unfortunately, despite all efforts made, the inmate passed away."
The prison authorities maintain Javidzad underwent a surgical procedure during his custody and was subsequently discharged from the hospital with his personal consent.
“The individual in question was sent to external medical facilities on five occasions during his time in prison due to a pre-existing gastrointestinal condition,” they added.
Javidzad, 60, had resided in the United States for two decades before returning to Iran a few years ago.
The Iranian regime also announced that Javidzad faced charges related to "the transfer of illicit funds, involvement in the formation of a counterfeit and fraudulent network."
The development comes in the wake of the Biden administration decision to approve the release of $6 billion to Iran's regime as part of a five-for-five prisoner exchange. Concerns have been raised by families, including Javidzad's, regarding the omission of their loved ones from the agreement.
