From Iran's Evin Prison, U.S. citizen Reza Valizadeh releases audio update

A recent recording from Iranian Evin Prison has emerged, providing an update from U.S. citizen and journalist Reza Valizadeh. Valizadeh, who has been imprisoned since 2024, expressed his concerns about the deteriorating conditions within the prison. He detailed how he and fellow American Kamran Hekmati, who recently returned to prison after a brief medical leave, have been denied access to essential facilities such as the prison library and sport facilities.

Furthermore, Valizadeh highlighted the poor state of medical care in the prison, stating that only basic medications are available and that many stolen by prison staff. This has led to a resurgence of diseases that were once eradicated, including pulmonary and gastrointestinal tuberculosis. One prisoner suffering from TB symptoms was only admitted to a hospital after his condition became life-threatening.

Valizadeh also noted the poor quality of prison food, leading many prisoners to refuse meals provided by the facility. Recently, the authorities have transferred non-political prisoners, mainly those convicted of financial crimes, into their ward, potentially weakening unity among the political detainees. Valizadeh's family has not been allowed to visit him for the past five months, which he believes is a form of punishment.

He expressed worry about exposure to a fellow prisoner suffering from TB symptoms, and lamented the lack of professional medical care provided by the prison's doctors. Valizadeh's lawyer emphasized the urgent need for President Trump to prioritize the release of wrongfully detained Americans during negotiations with Iran.