The Devastating Strike on Evin Prison
Israel's strike on Ewin prison in Iran leaves 71 dead
In a shocking turn of events, Israel's attack on Tehran's infamous Evin Prison has claimed at least 71 lives, according to Iranian reports released by justice spokesman Asghar Dschahangir on the justice portal Mizan. The death toll includes prison staff, conscripts, inmates, and family members of inmates, though these figures remain unverified.
On Monday, Israel's Air Force hit various parts of the Evin prison, allegedly a symbolic attack against the Iranian government (Israeli sources). Reactions from Iranian activists and former inmates, however, criticize the attack for endangering the lives of political prisoners and trivializing their plight. Several Europeans are also being held within Evin's walls.
Transferred Inmates and Crumbling Conditions
Famed as a hub for the mistreatment and torture, particularly of political prisoners, Evin prison has a notorious reputation across Iran. Demonstrators charged with system-critical protests were also detained there.
Reports suggest that primarily, administrative buildings within the complex suffered damage from the airstrike. Inmates were subsequently moved to other prisons post-attack. According to human rights activists, the already dire conditions within these prisons are even worse than Evin Prison itself.
Among the deceased during the Israeli attack is prosecutor Ali Ghanatkar, a man responsible for the conviction of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi who was herself an Evin inmate.
Unraveling the Complexity
The 12-day escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran witnessed this assault, with Israel's objective being a strike on Iran's repressive infrastructure, involving intelligence, security agencies, judicial and detention systems, and officials responsible for internal control (Israeli sources). Constituting a bid to curb Iran's ability to stifle protests and repress its citizens.
Among the high-ranking figures targeted was Hedayatollah Farzadi, notorious for overseeing human rights violations like torture and sexual violence against political prisoners within Evin. Israeli intelligence shared advance warnings with Farzadi's family members, allowing him to escape moments before the attack. The prison chief has been sanctioned by both the US and EU for these misdeeds.
The impact of the attack was substantial:
- Grim casualties: At least 71 fatalities, impacting prisoners, staff, and visiting family members.
- Critical infrastructure damage: Various sections of the prison suffered damage, possibly affecting its operational capacity.
- Escalated tension: The attack fueled tensions in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.
- Controversy: Iranian backlash resulted in the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, citing cooperation with Israel. Additionally, there were internal political repercussions within Iran.
War-and-conflicts and politics intertwine as the Israeli attack on Evin Prison, a symbolic strike against Iranian government, has escalated tension and claimed at least 71 lives, including political prisoners, as reported by Iranian authorities. The attack has also raised concerns in general-news circles about the plight of political prisoners, criticized for endangering their lives and trivialized their ongoing struggle.
