On June 23, an Israeli airstrike hit Evin Prison in Tehran, leading to the reported fatalities of 71 people. The notorious facility is known for housing numerous political prisoners, and the Iranian judiciary's spokesperson highlighted the absence of updates concerning the detainees, raising fears for their safety. As the conflict persists, questions surrounding the attack and the Israeli military's motivations remain.
Evin Prison Attack Claims 71 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict in Iran
Evin Prison Attack Claims 71 Lives Amid Ongoing Conflict in Iran
A recent Israeli strike on Tehran's Evin Prison has resulted in the deaths of at least 71 individuals, raising international concerns over human rights violations and the treatment of political prisoners.
On June 29, 2025, it was reported by Iranian state media that an Israeli attack on Evin Prison, an infamous detention center in Tehran, has resulted in the deaths of 71 people. The casualties, which include detainees, visiting family members, and prison staff, were confirmed by spokesman Asghar Jahangir from Iran’s judiciary, although no names were disclosed, fueling anxiety among families who are unaware of their loved ones' fates after the June 23 strike.
The prison houses thousands of inmates, including numerous political prisoners, activists, journalists, and lawyers. It is also known to imprison foreign nationals, many accused of espionage by the Iranian government. Human rights organizations have condemned the Evin facility for alleged acts of torture, abuse, and systemic violations against inmates.
Israel's Ministry of Defense has not yet commented on the attack, and independent verification of the statement by Mr. Jahangir remains unachieved. The strike was part of a broader military operation targeting key locations associated with Iran’s regime, including the Basij headquarters, during escalating tensions that led to a 12-day conflict culminating in a ceasefire last week.
During this conflict, over 600 Iranians reportedly lost their lives. Recent reports from Iranian media also mentioned the death of Ali Ghanaatkar, a top prosecutor at Evin Prison, who had previously overseen cases against dissidents, including notable figures such as Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and dual citizens like Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliff. The events surrounding Evin Prison continue to raise pressing questions regarding human rights in Iran and the ongoing impacts of military actions in the region.
