A Christian convert in Evin Prison in need of urgent medical care continues to be denied treatment and is at risk of partial blindness, Article18 understands.

Mahshar Parandin, who has a heart condition and two tumours, was reportedly sent to hospital last week for a test, but returned to prison without being treated, according to a report by the Persian-language Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

“This is despite the fact that the prison’s medical doctor has diagnosed that she needs a cardiac angiogram and surgery for the tumours,” HRANA’s source reported.

And according to Article18’s sources, Mahshar’s tumours have continued to visibly grow, not only affecting her balance, movement and speech, but putting her at risk of losing sight in one of her eyes.

Mahshar, a painter who is serving a two-year sentence, is eligible for parole but has been refused conditional release.