The US State Department called the death of political prisoner Farzad Khoshboresh an example of Islamic Republic abuses, saying that the establishment is suppressing dissent with violence instead of addressing public needs.
“Officials in Iran said Farzad Khoshboresh’s health deteriorated in detention and that he died after being transferred to a hospital,” the department wrote Saturday on its Persian-language page on X.
“But the bruises and signs of torture on his body tell a different story, one that Iranians know all too well: the story of someone who dared to speak out and paid a heavy price,” it added.
Judiciary outlet confirms death
Mizan, the news agency of Iran’s judiciary, confirmed Khoshboresh’s death on Wednesday and said he had been taken to a hospital with signs of illness, released on bail the same day, and died two days later from illness.
His death, the State Department said, fits into what it called a “violent pattern” by the Islamic Republic to silence dissent and spread fear. “Even in the face of such repression, the brave people of Iran continue to demand justice, dignity, and freedom,” the department wrote.
The Hengaw rights group reported Tuesday that witnesses saw bruising on Khoshboresh’s body. Mizan did not mention any injuries.
Local sources said Khoshboresh was detained for a second time by the intelligence ministry on November 12. They said he suddenly suffered acute pain and vomiting in custody after consuming cake and water at the Behshahr detention center, lost consciousness, and was taken to hospital.
He was kept shackled to a bed and died 24 hours after receiving antibiotics, following a rejected request for transfer to another medical facility, according to the sources. Medical equipment, they added, was removed without informing his family and that his body was taken to a morgue.
Khoshborash was buried Thursday under heavy security in a village near Neka in northern Mazandaran province.
A recurring pattern
His death follows a long list of political detainees who have died in Iranian custody over the years.
Many detainees held on non-political charges have also died after beatings in police detention centers.
Iran’s constitution prohibits torture under Article 38, although the country has not joined the UN Convention Against Torture.
