In an open letter addressed to the head of the Judiciary on Thursday, January 4, Khosrow Alikurdi appealed for the release of his client, Fatemeh Sepehri, a political prisoner currently held in Vakilabad Prison. Alikurdi expressed deep concern about Sepehri’s deteriorating health, emphasizing the denial of access to proper medical care.

Alikurdi’s letter detailed, “The use of medications to regulate her high heart rate has led to multiple physical and mental issues, including extended periods of unintentional sleep and depression.” The lawyer urged an end to Sepehri’s imprisonment, advocating for her release to receive essential medical treatment.

Sepehri’s brother, Asghar Sepehri, had previously voiced concerns regarding the inadequate medical care provided to his sister in prison. Despite being granted a one-week medical furlough in October 2023, Sepehri was re-arrested by security forces at her residence on the third day, interrupting her medical treatment.

Imprisoned since September 21, 2023, in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Sepehri received ten years for “collaboration with hostile foreign governments,” five years for “assembly and collusion against national security,” two years for “insulting the Supreme Leader of Iran” and one year for “propaganda against the regime.” The ten-year sentence was enforced based on Article 134 of the Islamic Penal Code, following an unsuccessful appeal.

Additionally, Sepehri faced convictions from the Mashhad Criminal Court for “disseminating false information to disturb public opinion on the Internet and having interviews with foreign media,” resulting in one year of imprisonment and a fine.

Sepehri, known for her role as one of the signatories of a letter demanding Ali Khamenei’s resignation, has previously experienced arrests and convictions on similar grounds. The plea for her release is grounded in the urgency of addressing her declining health and securing appropriate medical attention.