Baha’i photojournalist Artin Ghazanfari remains in prolonged pre-trial detention at Fashafuyeh Prison, also known as Greater Tehran Prison, after 200 days in custody without a final verdict.
On Wednesday, July 29, Branch 14 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court convened Ghazanfari’s third trial session, during which he presented his defence against charges including “assembly and collusion” and “propaganda against the system.” Authorities continue to deny his requests for medical leave or release on bail despite his deteriorating health.
Ghazanfari suffers from chronic medical conditions, including heart disease requiring daily medication, asthma and hypertension. Poor ventilation at the facility has severely exacerbated his respiratory problems, which worsened significantly after he contracted COVID-19 while incarcerated. Additionally, due to elevated parathyroid hormone levels and swollen lymph nodes in his neck, specialists recommended last year that he undergo immediate diagnostic evaluations and surgery.
Ghazanfari, who also produces the podcast The Thirteenth Month, was arrested on January 19 following a raid by security forces on his Tehran residence. More than six months later, he remains in temporary detention without a final court ruling.
