World Physicians Urge Iran to End Violence Against Health Personnel

The World Medical Association has issued an urgent open letter to the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran following corroborating reports of a sharp rise in violence against health personnel and the misuse of medical facilities in recent weeks.

Reports from the provinces of Isfahan and Shahar Mahal and Bakhtiari indicate that security forces have arrested injured protesters inside hospital premises. Hospital staff have also reportedly been instructed to report patients suffering gunfire injuries to security authorities, with non-compliance exposing them to prosecution and other reprisals.

The WMA is deeply outraged by the alarming persecution of Iranian physicians. The letter underscores that Dr. Alizera Golchini is among those health professionals whose lives are now at risk simply for practicing medicine ethically and striving to save lives.

WMA President Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu noted: “These practices constitute grave violations of the core ethical principles of our profession as well as fundamental human rights. Physicians must be able to perform their duties without obstruction, interference, or fear of reprisal.”

The WMA calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all physicians detained solely for fulfilling their professional responsibilities. It urges the Iranian authorities to ensure safe working conditions for health personnel, to safeguard medical facilities from misuse, and to bring an immediate end to the use of violence by security forces. The letter also calls for independent and impartial investigations into all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The Association recalls that Iran must uphold its obligations under the international covenants it ratified in 1975 and urges the authorities to treat all individuals under their jurisdiction with respect, dignity, and humanity.

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