Israeli airstrikes on Evin prison in Tehran in June resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals, including detainees, visitors, and staff. The attack, occurring in the middle of the day during visiting hours, has drawn international outcry and condemnation. Critics say that it circumvents international law and increases the risk of committing war crimes. The facility was over 175% over capacity and routinely held more than 1,500 prisoners. It is infamous for housing thousands of people wrongfully imprisoned for their political opposition, such as dissidents and activists.
Israeli officials have previously described Evin prison as a “symbol of oppression” in Iran. Yet, for over three weeks, they have failed to show any proof that the facility contains any military targets. Credible reports indicate the airstrikes killed a large number of civilians and did so without justification. Human Rights Watch described the attack as a “new low in the conflict,” and an “apparent war crime.” Specifically, they stressed that the target site had no military purposes.
The impact on survivors of these airstrikes has been catastrophic. Many women were locked in their wards without access to water or communication before being transferred to Qarchak prison, known for its overcrowded and inhumane conditions. 46 days later, some detainees returned to Evin prison. On each of their subsequent transfers, they were subjected to the same sadistic pattern of violence all over again.
Iranian authorities have allegedly forced these survivors into a range of abuses, including enforced disappearance and cruel conditions of detention. These measures have understandably sparked outrage among human rights watchdogs who demand accountability while defending those wrongfully imprisoned.
“Israeli attack placed at grave risk the already precarious lives of Evin’s prisoners, many of whom had been wrongfully detained dissidents and activists.” – Michael Page
Micheal Page of Human Rights Watch has already raised alarms about prisoner treatment in the wake of the attack. He stated that “Israeli authorities have committed a catalogue of violations against prisoners in the aftermath of the attack, including beatings, insults, and threats during transfers, and holding prisoners in appalling conditions that have endangered their lives and health.” He had a blunt message. As a result, death-row inmates and those in danger of forced disappearance are now at a heightened risk of torture or execution.
Recent tragedies underscore the immediate obligation of Iranian authorities to cease such reckless conduct. They need to show they won’t use Israel’s recent strikes on Evin prison as a pretext for attacking and abusing prisoners. Advocates argue that many detainees should never have been imprisoned in the first place and deserve protection from further abuse.
“Iranian authorities should not use Israel’s strikes on Evin prison as another opportunity to subject prisoners, including those who should never have been in prison in the first place, to ill-treatment.” – Michael Page
The international community is looking more closely into Israel’s military actions, and Iran’s treatment of detainees. Simultaneously, Evin prison has come to serve as a focal point in the movements advocating for human rights and accountability. The catastrophic toll of the airstrikes underscore the difficult choices implicating military intervention, and the need for action to protect civilian lives.