The attack illustrates ongoing tensions and raises questions about the fate of detained political prisoners and human rights in Iran.
Israel Strikes Evin Prison, Leaving 71 Dead: Reports from Iran's State Media
Israel Strikes Evin Prison, Leaving 71 Dead: Reports from Iran's State Media
At least 71 casualties reported in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, raising international concerns.
June 29, 2025 — Iranian state media indicated that an Israeli attack on Evin Prison resulted in the deaths of 71 individuals, including detainees, visiting relatives, and prison staff. The incident occurred on June 23 and has left families of imprisoned dissidents anxious, as many have reported losing contact with loved ones since the airstrike. The Tehran facility is infamous for holding political prisoners, including activists, journalists, and dual nationals accused of espionage.
In a statement by Asghar Jahangir, Iran's judiciary spokesperson, details concerning the victims were not disclosed, intensifying worry among relatives. Human rights organizations have long criticized Evin for torturous conditions, commonly involving physical and psychological abuses.
An Israeli defense ministry spokesperson refused to comment on Jahangir’s claims, and the Israeli military's response remains pending amidst the broader context of escalating hostilities involving Iran. The military action also targeted key assets of the Basij, a force affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, known for suppressing protests in Iran.
This attack was part of a wider military campaign that resulted in over 600 Iranian fatalities during the recent conflict, according to the Iranian health ministry. Recently, it emerged that the strike also claimed the life of prominent prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar, known for spearheading cases against several well-known prisoners, including Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
As international scrutiny mounts, the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison underscores the significant implications for human rights and political dissidence in Iran.
In a statement by Asghar Jahangir, Iran's judiciary spokesperson, details concerning the victims were not disclosed, intensifying worry among relatives. Human rights organizations have long criticized Evin for torturous conditions, commonly involving physical and psychological abuses.
An Israeli defense ministry spokesperson refused to comment on Jahangir’s claims, and the Israeli military's response remains pending amidst the broader context of escalating hostilities involving Iran. The military action also targeted key assets of the Basij, a force affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, known for suppressing protests in Iran.
This attack was part of a wider military campaign that resulted in over 600 Iranian fatalities during the recent conflict, according to the Iranian health ministry. Recently, it emerged that the strike also claimed the life of prominent prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar, known for spearheading cases against several well-known prisoners, including Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi and British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
As international scrutiny mounts, the aftermath of the Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison underscores the significant implications for human rights and political dissidence in Iran.
