Iran Says 71 Killed After Israeli Airstrike Hits Evin Prison

Iran has reported that 71 people were killed after an Israeli airstrike hit Evin prison, a high-security facility in Tehran known for detaining political prisoners and dissidents. The bombing took place on Monday, during the final days of Israel’s aerial campaign against Iran.

The death toll was confirmed by judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir, nearly a week after the strike. The list of victims reportedly includes prison employees, conscripts, families of inmates, and even nearby residents.

Civilian Areas Damaged, Top Prosecutor Among Victims

According to Iran’s judiciary news agency, Mizan, several parts of the prison compound were destroyed in the attack. These include the medical centre, engineering and visitors’ buildings, and the prosecutor’s office.

One of the most prominent casualties was Ali Ghanaatkar, a senior prosecutor known for handling high-profile cases against regime critics, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi. His death was confirmed earlier, with a large funeral held in Tehran for him and dozens of other victims.

Israel Targets Regime Sites, Rights Groups Raise Concerns

While Israel has not commented directly on the Evin prison strike, it has said its recent operations targeted “regime-related sites.” The attack marks a shift in strategy, moving beyond military and nuclear facilities to hit locations symbolically tied to Iran’s leadership.

Human rights groups have condemned the strike, citing the principle of distinction in armed conflict. They argue that hitting a site housing civilians, visitors, and foreign nationals violates international humanitarian law.

Foreign Nationals Among Prisoners

Evin prison is known to house several foreign detainees, including French citizens Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held since 2022. In response to the airstrike, France’s foreign minister called the bombing “unacceptable.”

Background on Evin Prison

Founded in 1972 under Iran’s former Shah, Evin spans around five hectares in northern Tehran. Over the years, it has become Iran’s central detention facility for political cases, hosting journalists, activists, academics, and foreign nationals accused of espionage.

After the 1979 revolution, it became infamous for holding thousands of regime opponents, with multiple human rights reports alleging mistreatment and abuse inside its walls.

What Happens Next

Iran has called the attack a violation of international and humanitarian law, and it is likely to add further tension to an already volatile situation in the region. As the country buries its dead and assesses the damage, the strike on Evin may become a flashpoint in future debates over civilian protections during wartime.

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