On June 23, Evin Prison in Tehran, a high-security facility known for housing political prisoners, was struck by missiles in a targeted attack attributed to Israel. The assault reportedly resulted in 80 fatalities, including staff, inmates, medical personnel, and visitors, according to Iranian authorities. This incident has been described as the deadliest Israeli strike on Iranian territory concerning civilian casualties.
Motahareh Goonei, a political activist detained in solitary confinement at the time, recounted her experience during the explosions, stating that guards initially attempted to prevent inmates from escaping, and some even issued threats. She was eventually freed by another prisoner and encountered thick smoke and chaos. Accounts from other inmates reveal a rapid response to assist those injured despite the circumstances.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) justified the strike by asserting that the prison was being utilized for intelligence operations against Israel. In contrast, Human Rights Watch and various international bodies have criticized the attack, labeling it indiscriminate and potentially a war crime. Amnesty International emphasized that targeting civilian facilities contravenes international humanitarian law, while the UN human rights office stated that Evin Prison was not a legitimate military target.
Post-attack analysis indicates at least six projectiles were used, causing significant damage to the prison complex. Eyewitnesses reported a grim scene, with some inmates escaping amidst the chaos, while the situation of many others remains unclear. Among the deceased were notable individuals, including a dual Iranian-American citizen and a prominent artist.
Concerns persist regarding the safety and conditions of transgender prisoners, with reports of uncertainty surrounding their status following the attack. The situation continues to unfold as reports and investigations proceed.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd0e23j9q8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss