Iranian authorities on Oct. 31 denied proper medical treatment to prisoner Aida Najaflou, an Iranian Christian convert, after she fell and fractured her spine. 

Najaflou, who suffered from spinal disc issues before her arrest, sustained the injury when she fell from her top prison bunk early on Oct. 31. She was taken to a local hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed a fractured T12 vertebra. Authorities refused to allow Najaflou to obtain treatment and, instead, used a stretcher to bring her back to the prison that same day. 

Due to the inhumane treatment and pain that Najaflou endured, fellow prisoners reportedly protested the situation. Iranian officials responded by taking the woman to a second hospital, where medical professionals recommended emergency surgery to repair her vertebra.  

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “spinal fracture surgery” is recommended if the spinal fracture is in danger of damaging your spinal cord or if your pain doesn’t improve a few months after non-surgical treatments.” The prolonging of proper care for Najaflou’s injury is likely to have caused additional, unnecessary pain. Her current condition is unknown. 

Previous requests from Najaflou for a lower bunk based on her pre-existing spinal problems and a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis were dismissed by prison authorities. 

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), Najaflou has continuously been denied proper medical care while imprisoned. 

“Before her arrest, [Najaflou] underwent spinal disc surgery and suffers from ongoing spinal problems that require continuous medical attention,” HRANA stated. “The lack of proper care in prison has worsened her condition.” 

Najaflou, along with two other Christians, was arrested in February 2025 for their Christian activities, including “praying, performing baptisms, taking communion, and celebrating Christmas,” according to Middle East Concern. She has also been charged with “propaganda activity against the Islamic Republic of Iran in cyberspace,” as well as “propaganda in favor of groups or organizations opposed to the Islamic Republic of Iran.” These additional charges stem from Najaflou reportedly criticizing Hassan Nasrallah, a former Hezbollah leader, and advocating for the Women, Life, Freedom protests. 

Bail in Najaflou’s case has been set at 11 billion tomans, equivalent to $130,000 — an amount neither she nor her family can afford to pay. 

A hearing in her case was held in September, but a verdict has not yet been reported. 

Story by Lynn Arias