Informed sources on the status of political prisoners in Evin prison told Iran International that searches of female political prisoners and their families have been intensified through touching their bodies, including their breasts, and forcing them to pull aside or remove their clothing. These actions can constitute sexual harassment or assault and violate human dignity.

One informed source said that in recent months, body searches have become standard practice in Evin’s women’s ward, and that before leaving the ward for visits or medical and judicial transfers, female political prisoners are searched by female officers in a small room that has recently been set up for this purpose.

According to this source, the officers touch different parts of the prisoners’ bodies with their hands and, in some cases, force them to pull aside or remove part of their clothing.

In some cases, prisoners have been forced to raise their blouses, and the officers have also touched their breasts.

Read the continuation of this report on Iran International’s website.