At least 71 fatalities reported in Israel's assault on Tehran's infamous Evin prison, as per Iran's judiciary.
In the heart of Dubai, the grim news unfolded on June 23. Israel allegedly launched an assault on Tehran's infamous Evin prison, a notorious facility housing numerous political prisoners and dissidents. As per the Iranian judiciary, this brutal attack claimed at least 71 lives – a stark mix of staff, soldiers, prisoners, and visiting family members[1][2]. The authenticity of this horrific toll couldn't be independently verified, yet.
The strike hit several prison structures, causing deep concern among human rights organizations regarding the safety of the detainees[1]. The specific motive behind the Israelis targeting the prison remains hazy, but it transpired on a day when their Defense Ministry announced relentless attacks on "regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran[1]."
Unsurprisingly, this grim news was soon overshadowed by other events – an Iranian attack on a US base in Qatar and the surprising ceasefire announcement. However, Jahangir, the Iranian judiciary spokesperson, confirmed that the prison attack had taken out the infirmary, engineering building, judicial affairs, and the visitation hall[1].
The New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran voiced criticism towards the Israeli strike, likening it to a violation of the principle of distinguishing between civilian and military targets. Simultaneously, they accused Iranian authorities of negligence, as they failed to evacuate prisoners, provide medical assistance, or inform families following the attack[1]. Reports reveal that some of the wounded were treated on-site, while others were sent to hospitals.
Intriguingly, among the casualties was Ali Ghanaatkar, Iran's top prosecutor, who faced widespread criticism for his relentless prosecution of dissidents like the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Narges Mohammadi[1]. The political figures responsible for these disturbing events are yet to be fully identified due to the ongoing complexities and heightened tensions amidst diplomatic efforts [1].
In the earlier skirmishes between Israel and Iran, the Israelis claimed they eliminated approximately 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists, while obliterating eight nuclear-related facilities and over 720 military infrastructure sites. The death toll reached over a thousand, with at least 417 civilian casualties, as per a Washington-based Human Rights Activists group[1]. In retaliation, Iran fired over 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. Despite many being intercepted, the damage was substantial, claiming the lives of 28 people[1].
[1] Based on enrichment data and composited sources.
- The news of the Israeli assault on Tehran's Evin prison, known for housing many political prisoners and dissidents, spread globally as a significant event in the world news.
- The attack on the prison, which claimed at least 71 lives, raised concerns about war-and-conflicts in the east, particularly in the Middle East, where politics and general-news tend to revolve around such issues.
- Artists and human rights organizations criticized the Israeli strike on the facility, arguing it violated the principle of distinguishing between civilian and military targets, and questioning the Iranian authorities' negligence in protecting and evacuating prisoners.
- Crime-and-justice was also highlighted in the aftermath of the attack, with accusations towards both Israeli and Iranian authorities for any harmful actions committed during this conflict.
