The Iranian judiciary has confirmed that an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin Prison during the recent 12-day conflict resulted in at least 71 fatalities. The announcement comes just days after a fragile ceasefire brought an end to hostilities between the two adversaries.
DESTRUCTION IN TEHRAN
The strike, carried out on June 13 as part of Israel’s extensive bombardment campaign, targeted the heavily fortified Evin Prison complex in northern Tehran. The prison, notorious for housing political prisoners and foreign nationals, saw part of its administrative building destroyed in the attack.
Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir provided the grim update during a press briefing on Sunday, stating, “Official reports confirm 71 individuals lost their lives in the assault on Evin Prison.”
A DEADLY IMPACT
Among the casualties were administrative staff, prison guards, detainees, visiting relatives, and residents from nearby neighborhoods, according to Jahangir. The strike has drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups, who have long criticized conditions at Evin Prison and its use to detain political dissidents.
A TENSE BACKDROP
The attack occurred amidst a broader 12-day military escalation between Iran and Israel, two nations locked in a bitter rivalry for decades. The conflict saw significant loss of life and destruction, with airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure and civilian areas in both nations.
The ceasefire, brokered under international pressure, remains tenuous as both sides blame each other for the escalation. This latest revelation of casualties is likely to fuel further tensions in the region.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
Global human rights organizations have expressed outrage over the attack on Evin Prison, calling for an independent investigation into possible violations of international law. Amnesty International released a statement urging both nations to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and adhere to the principles of war.
The attack on Evin Prison has underscored the devastating human cost of the Iran-Israel conflict, with families mourning loved ones and international calls for accountability growing louder.
