Forced Labor and Systemic Abuse of Female Prisoners in Iran

In this podcast, we shed light on the consistent and alarming pattern of forced labor and systemic abuse targeting female prisoners across multiple facilities in Iran, including Vakilabad Prison (Mashhad), Sepidar Prison (Ahvaz), Qarchak Prison, and Tabriz Prison. These practices are in direct violation of international human rights standards and highlight a deliberate disregard for the dignity and well-being of incarcerated women.Systemic Nature of Forced LaborForced labor is not an isolated incident but a routine and institutionalized practice within Iran's prison system for women. Prisoners are compelled to work in various capacities, including factory work, workshops (carpet weaving, tailoring, shoe-making), cleaning, bakery, cooking, and packaging.Extended and Uncompensated Work HoursFemale prisoners are forced to work long hours, often exceeding the standard workday, without adequate rest or fair compensation. One account describes women working "non-stop until 4:30 PM, even though we should return by 3 PM." Another source highlights work extending as late as 10 p.m. for some. Despite this strenuous labor, the wages received are described as "meager," ranging from as low as 30,000 tomans to 200,000 tomans per month.Support the show