A Deadly Strike on Tehran's Evin Prison: What Went Down?
Tehran, Iran – In a grim announcement, Iran's judiciary revealed that at least 71 people were killed when Israel attacked the Evin prison in Tehran. The prison is notorious for housing political prisoners and dissidents. The strike occurred on June 23, just a day before a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect.
The Attack's Devastating Impact
The attack struck multiple sections of the prison, including:
- The infirmary
- The engineering building
- The visitation hall
Tragically, visitors who had come to see their loved ones were also injured or killed. The reason behind Israel's targeting of this prison remains unclear.
A Day of Escalating Tensions
The prison attack coincided with Israel's claim of striking "regime targets and government repression bodies" in Tehran. However, the news was overshadowed by subsequent events:
- Iran launched an attack on a U.S. base in Qatar.
- A ceasefire was later announced.
Human Rights Concerns
The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), based in New York, condemned the attack, stating that Israel violated international law by failing to distinguish between civilian and military targets. Simultaneously, they criticized Iran for failing to protect prisoners and provide adequate assistance after the attack.
High-Profile Casualties
Among the victims was Ali Ghanaatkar, Iran's top prosecutor, known for prosecuting dissidents, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi. A large public funeral was held for him and approximately 60 other victims.
Broader Conflict Context
The attack unfolded amid an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran:
- June 13: Israel launched attacks on Iran, aiming to disrupt its nuclear program.
- Over 12 days, Israel claimed to have killed 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists, while striking multiple military sites.
- In retaliation, Iran fired over 550 missiles at Israel, resulting in 28 deaths.