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In a chilling escalation of repression, Iranian authorities have detained several healthcare professionals, including surgeon Alireza Golchini, for providing medical assistance to injured protesters. Golchini, who studied in London and is based in Qazvin, has been charged with “moharebeh,” or waging war against God, a crime punishable by death. This alarming trend reflects a broader campaign against medical personnel, who have become targets for their commitment to saving lives during ongoing anti-regime demonstrations.
Surgeons and Healthcare Workers Targeted
The systematic arrests of doctors are being described as part of a vengeful strategy by the Iranian government, aimed at punishing those who defy directives to abandon injured protesters. Human rights organisations have reported that at least nine medical professionals have been apprehended in recent days as security forces have stormed temporary medical facilities and the homes of those who dared to treat the wounded.
Golchini’s cousin, Nima Golchini, revealed the brutal circumstances of his arrest on 10 January, stating that security forces violently apprehended the surgeon in front of his family, inflicting serious injuries in the process. “They broke his arm and ribs,” Nima lamented, expressing deep concern for the safety of his family and fellow healthcare workers. Days before his arrest, Golchini had openly called for injured individuals to reach out for help, demonstrating his commitment to his medical oath.
Human Rights Concerns Intensify
The US State Department has voiced its alarm over Golchini’s detention, urging Iranian authorities to release him and all healthcare professionals imprisoned for their humanitarian efforts. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, over 6,000 fatalities have been documented in the ongoing protests, with many more under investigation. The situation highlights a perilous environment for those providing care, as the regime intensifies its crackdown on dissent.
Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has publicly stated that authorities should show no leniency towards those perceived as undermining public order. This hardline stance has raised fears of further violence against medical workers, who face grave risks simply for adhering to their ethical obligations.
The Broader Context of Violence
Reports indicate that at least 42,324 individuals have been arrested during the protests, with limited information available on their conditions. The Iranian regime appears to be systematically targeting medical networks in a bid to diminish support for those injured during demonstrations. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the Iran Human Rights NGO, described the campaign against medical personnel as a distinct facet of the regime’s broader human rights violations.
As security forces continue to raid medical shelters, the urgency of the situation grows. One volunteer first responder was reportedly arrested after treating more than 20 injured protesters in his home, with two of them later succumbing to their injuries. Eyewitness accounts reveal a distressing scene, with security personnel employing extreme measures to suppress those attempting to provide care.
Why it Matters
The crackdown on healthcare professionals in Iran is not merely an isolated incident; it signifies a dangerous trend where medical workers are punished for fulfilling their ethical duties. This wave of repression undermines the very fabric of humanitarian care and raises critical questions about the Iranian regime’s commitment to human rights. The international community must respond decisively to ensure the protection of healthcare workers and to advocate for the fundamental rights of all individuals, especially those risking their lives to save others.
