Israel’s military conducted an airstrike on Evin prison in Tehran on Monday, targeting entrances to the facility known for holding dissidents and political prisoners. The prison has been described by human rights organizations as a symbol of repression, where allegations of torture and executions have been reported.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the strike, which coincided with a series of Israeli attacks in Tehran. Verified video footage shows explosions at the prison's main entrance and damage near a second entrance. Iran stated that it maintains control of the facility and no immediate injuries were reported.
Evin prison, located in northern Tehran, houses thousands of inmates, including opposition politicians, activists, and dual nationals accused of espionage. The facility is surrounded by extensive security measures, including electrified barbed-wire fences and a minefield.
The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that the attack caused damage to parts of the prison, but stated it remained under control. Video evidence documented explosions and subsequent efforts by rescue workers to clear debris from the site.
Established in 1971, Evin prison gained notoriety for its harsh conditions, especially during the Shah's regime. Following the 1979 revolution, the prison's reputation worsened, particularly after the execution of thousands of inmates in 1988. The facility has also been a focal point during protests, including those in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini.
Conditions within Evin have been described as severe by former inmates, with reports of torture, long interrogations, and inadequate medical care. Executions, often by hanging, have also been documented.
The detention of foreign nationals at Evin has been a point of contention in international relations, with Iran accused of using such prisoners as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. Among those held are Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French citizens arrested in 2022 on charges of espionage, which France denies. They have been described as enduring conditions akin to torture, with limited access to consular support.
Following the recent airstrike, France's foreign minister confirmed that Kohler and Paris were unharmed and condemned the attack, reiterating demands for their release.