Reza Shahabi in worrisome health continues hunger strike after 37 days

Committee of Human Rights Reporters – Labor activist Reza Shahabi held in Rajai Shahr prison has lost 15 kilograms and lost consciousness several times in the past days while he continues his hunger strike that has now exceeded 37 days. CHRR reports that according to the Committee to Defend Reza Shahabi, the labor activist has severe fluctuations in his blood pressure prompting his transfer by his cellmates to the prison infirmary several times. But Shahabi refused to have a serum administered at the infirmary and his health is plummeting at an alarming rate.

Reza Shahabi, a prominent labor activist and board member of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company (Sherkat-e Vahed) was already in poor health before he launched his hunger strike in prison. The left side of his body was paralyzed and physicians had requested an immediate disc and spinal surgery.

At the same time Reza Shahabi’s family has on numerous occasions gone to the Tehran Prosecutor’s office (mr. Khodabakhsh) to request an order to perform surgery but never received an answer. In light of being ignored by mr. Khodabkhsh, Reza Shahabi’s family has threatened to also go on hunger strike in protest.

Mr. Shahabi went on hunger strike on June 1st when he was illegally transferred from Evin prison to Rajai Shahr prison. In a letter to the Tehran Prosecutor Shahabi criticized the sub-standard conditions in Rajai Shahr prison and also stated his demands for ending his hunger strike as follows: 1- be returned to Evin prison Ward 350 2- be granted sick leave for medical treatment and disc operation 3- implementation of Article 134 of the new Islamic Penal Code 4- enforcement of legal medical furlough.