Conditions Deteriorate for Iranian Detainees Following Israeli Strikes on Evin Prison

Following the Israeli airstrikes on Evin prison, reports reveal that detainees face unbearable living conditions.

A month following Israeli airstrikes targeted against Iran's Evin prison, detainees have reported deteriorating and inhumane living conditions in other facilities. Accounts from their families indicate that, contrary to promises from authorities, those transferred have encountered overcrowded cells, insufficient bedding, and inadequate sanitation. The strikes on Evin, which reportedly killed 80 individuals—including prisoners and staff—have left many inmates residing in dismal conditions across various prisons in Iran.

Evin prison, a notorious facility known for housing dissidents, journalists, and political activists, was hit on June 23. Eyewitness accounts and verified video evidence underscore the extensive damage inflicted on multiple buildings within the prison complex, casting light on the operational implications stemming from the strikes. Israeli military officials framed the attack as a targeted measure against a facility alleged to be involved in anti-Israeli operations, yet human rights organizations—like Amnesty International—decry the operation as a violation of international law.

Political prisoners transferred to facilities like Fashafouyeh, located significantly far from Tehran and characterized by harsh conditions, reported overcrowding and unsanitary circumstances. Family connections have also been strained, with many unable to visit their loved ones amid the isolation of these remote prisons. A political prisoner described his new environment as “unbearable” due to rampant pest infestations and lack of basic necessities, asserting that even routines like eating have become fraught with complications due to space constraints.

Evin had an established reputation for human rights abuses but conditions in the newly assigned prisons might be even worse, as advocates believe that political and non-political prisoners are mixed to foster intimidation. Testimonies from political detainees, including well-known journalist Mehdi Mahmoodian, highlight the pervasive neglect faced by inmates, who have been subjected to years of oppression without any recourse to advocate for their rights.

Baha'i detainee Fariba Kamalabadi expressed a desperation so profound that she preferred death over enduring life in the overcrowded Qarchak prison, underlining the systemic discrimination against Iran's Baha'i community. Conditions for elderly inmates remain particularly concerning, with reports of inadequate medical care.

As families of the detained grapple with the fallout of the airstrikes, reports indicate civilian casualties from the attacks, with heartbreaking stories emerging from those affected, including the tragic death of a mother of two caught in the crossfire. Both states involved face calls for accountability, as the impact on innocent lives continues to echo amidst the ongoing conflict.