Amid the oppressive conditions of Evin prison in Iran, numerous women are enduring severe treatment while uniting in their fight for freedom and women's rights. Here are their poignant stories reflecting resilience despite the dire circumstances.
Women’s Stories from Evin: Courage Amidst Oppression in Iranian Prison
Women’s Stories from Evin: Courage Amidst Oppression in Iranian Prison
Inside Iran's Evin prison, women face brutality yet find strength through activism and solidarity.
Evin prison in Iran has become a notorious symbol of repression, where women prisoners live through harrowing experiences. One such prisoner, Nasim, recounts her time in a tiny, windowless cell, where she often heard the cries of other inmates being tortured. Interrogations lasting 10 to 12 hours daily were coupled with threats of execution, leaving her in a constant state of fear. After spending four months in solitary confinement, she was moved to the women’s wing where she met others similarly affected by the regime’s brutality.
These women are largely political prisoners, having been arrested during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022—a young woman detained for allegedly violating hijab laws. The movement drew widespread condemnation of the Iranian government and inspired many to protest against systemic oppression. Conditions in Evin prison for these women are harsh, with overcrowded cells, minimal access to medical care, and scarce food supplies.
Rezvaneh, another inmate, discovered she was pregnant while incarcerated. She described the overwhelming challenges of mental pressure and food scarcity that plagued her pregnancy in such a setting. Despite these struggles, she held on to hope when she learned her baby would be a girl. In a stark contrast, such distressing environment gave rise to creativity among the women, as depicted by Vida, who uses her artistic talents to provide a semblance of hope and expression through her paintings.
Despite the punitive conditions and frequent governmental repression, the women persist in advocating for their rights. They have organized protests within the prison and defied mandates, such as wearing headscarves, which has earned them harsh repercussions from prison guards. Reports of physical assaults and increased interrogations having been documented. Yet, they continue to make their voices heard, with hopes of reaching audiences outside of prison walls.
As many women are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, the uncertainty of their futures looms large. Nasim was met with the news of her six-year prison sentence, along with lashes and exile, yet felt relief at simply knowing her fate. Weekly protests against executions in the prison yard exemplify their determination to stand against the regime's brutality.
In October, Rezvaneh gave birth to her daughter but faced great uncertainty regarding her future with the baby as she fears being recalled to prison soon to continue her sentence. Many mothers in similar situations can only dream of the time spent in peace with their children.
These women's stories shine a light on the complex realities within Evin prison. It is a place of suffering but also one of unity where bonds of sisterhood form resilient lines against oppression. Through artistic expression, solidarity, and steadfast refusal to conform to unjust laws, these women challenge their circumstances with remarkable courage.
These women are largely political prisoners, having been arrested during the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022—a young woman detained for allegedly violating hijab laws. The movement drew widespread condemnation of the Iranian government and inspired many to protest against systemic oppression. Conditions in Evin prison for these women are harsh, with overcrowded cells, minimal access to medical care, and scarce food supplies.
Rezvaneh, another inmate, discovered she was pregnant while incarcerated. She described the overwhelming challenges of mental pressure and food scarcity that plagued her pregnancy in such a setting. Despite these struggles, she held on to hope when she learned her baby would be a girl. In a stark contrast, such distressing environment gave rise to creativity among the women, as depicted by Vida, who uses her artistic talents to provide a semblance of hope and expression through her paintings.
Despite the punitive conditions and frequent governmental repression, the women persist in advocating for their rights. They have organized protests within the prison and defied mandates, such as wearing headscarves, which has earned them harsh repercussions from prison guards. Reports of physical assaults and increased interrogations having been documented. Yet, they continue to make their voices heard, with hopes of reaching audiences outside of prison walls.
As many women are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, the uncertainty of their futures looms large. Nasim was met with the news of her six-year prison sentence, along with lashes and exile, yet felt relief at simply knowing her fate. Weekly protests against executions in the prison yard exemplify their determination to stand against the regime's brutality.
In October, Rezvaneh gave birth to her daughter but faced great uncertainty regarding her future with the baby as she fears being recalled to prison soon to continue her sentence. Many mothers in similar situations can only dream of the time spent in peace with their children.
These women's stories shine a light on the complex realities within Evin prison. It is a place of suffering but also one of unity where bonds of sisterhood form resilient lines against oppression. Through artistic expression, solidarity, and steadfast refusal to conform to unjust laws, these women challenge their circumstances with remarkable courage.
