The Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of Yousef Sowari
Report by the Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights
The Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights expresses its deep concern over the deteriorating health condition of Yousef Sowari, an Ahwazi Arab civil activist currently held in Ward 5 of Sheyban Prison in Ahwaz, under the supervision of security agencies affiliated with the central authorities.
According to reliable reports received by the Centre, since Tuesday, 1 Mehr (23 September), Mr. Sowari’s health has significantly worsened, and he has suffered repeated acute respiratory attacks. Despite the severity of his condition, prison authorities have so far failed to provide any effective medical care.
Yousef Sowari, son of Mehdi and a resident of Abu Humaidha village in the city of Khafajiya, Ahwaz, was arrested on 8 November 2018 by agents of the Intelligence Department affiliated with the central government in Ahwaz, on unfounded charges, including alleged cooperation with opposition groups. Following his arrest, he was subjected to weeks of harsh interrogation and physical and psychological torture in security detention centers.
The activist spent over a year in Sheyban Prison, during which he endured continuous physical and psychological pressure. Although he was temporarily released on bail, he was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Ahwaz Revolutionary Court, which operates under the influence of central security institutions. Human rights organizations regard this sentence as part of a broader policy of systematic repression targeting peaceful and lawful civil activities by young Ahwazi Arabs.
The Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights, citing fundamental human rights principles, considers the denial of medical care to Yousef Sowari a clear instance of deliberate medical neglect against political prisoners. The Centre warns that the continuation of such treatment could result in irreversible harm to the physical and mental health of Mr. Sowari and other political detainees in Ahwaz.
The Centre further urges international human rights bodies to take immediate action to pressure the central regime governing Ahwaz to uphold the right of political prisoners to medical care and to end the systematic harassment of Ahwazi Arab civil activists in the region.
23 September 2025 / 1 Mehr 1404
Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights
https://acfh.info
