Political Prisoner’s Death Sparks Outrage in Iran
TEHRAN – The death of Hengameh Shahidi, a prominent political prisoner, in Tehran’s Evin Prison on September 24, 2025, has ignited widespread condemnation and protests within Iran and internationally. The circumstances surrounding her death remain contested, but reports indicate shahidi, 58, was incarcerated for her activism and critical views of the Iranian government.
Shahidi’s passing underscores the ongoing repression of dissent in Iran and raises concerns about the safety and well-being of other political prisoners. Her case has quickly become a rallying cry for human rights advocates, who fear a further crackdown on opposition voices. the incident occurs amid heightened political tensions and economic hardship, possibly exacerbating existing unrest and complicating diplomatic efforts.
According to reports from human rights organizations, Shahidi was arrested in June 2023 and sentenced to a lengthy prison term on charges of “spreading propaganda against the system.” She suffered from pre-existing health conditions, and family members and activists allege that she was denied adequate medical care while in custody. Authorities have offered conflicting accounts of her death, initially attributing it to a heart attack, but later acknowledging she had been hospitalized prior to her passing.
The news of Shahidi’s death has prompted demonstrations in several Iranian cities,with protesters chanting slogans against the government and demanding accountability for her death. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes to Shahidi and expressions of solidarity with the Iranian opposition. International organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and urged the Iranian government to release all political prisoners.
