Evin Prison: A Notorious Symbol of Oppression in Iran
Evin Prison stands as one of the most infamous and secretive locations in Iran, a place shrouded in mystery where foreign journalists are typically barred from entry. This prison is known for holding dissidents and critics of the Iranian government, many of whom mysteriously vanish—never to be seen again. Recently, we were granted rare access by Iranian authorities eager to showcase the extensive damage inflicted by Israeli airstrikes.
The airstrikes on Evin Prison occurred just before a ceasefire concluded a 12-day conflict with Iran, revealing more destruction than initially reported. As we entered, navigating through the remnants of shattered gates and twisted metal, we were among a select few foreign media representatives permitted to witness the aftermath. A short distance into the facility, we were shown what officials described as the prison’s hospital. The scene was haunting: iron bars surrounded windows that had been blown in, while medical equipment and hospital beds lay in disarray.
The atmosphere inside Evin was heavy and unsettling, a stark contrast to the world outside. Above us, on a hill untouched by the airstrikes, stood the grim buildings where inmates are reportedly held under dire conditions, with watchtowers ominously looming against the skyline. The overall ambiance of Evin was one of neglect and sorrow, as we wandered through the compound.
Iranian authorities had their reasons for allowing this press visit. They claimed that at least 71 individuals were killed in the airstrikes, including inmates and visiting family members. This, they argue, serves as evidence that Israel targeted not only military sites but also civilian locations. However, the visit also highlighted the prison’s notorious reputation. Human rights groups and critics of the Iranian regime view Evin as a symbol of the brutal suppression of political prisoners and the practice of hostage diplomacy.
High-profile cases, such as that of British-Iranian dual national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was imprisoned here for years before her release in 2022, underscore the prison’s dark legacy. In interviews, Zaghari-Ratcliffe expressed deep empathy for her former fellow inmates, acknowledging the terror they must have felt trapped in their cells during the airstrikes.
While the Israeli military has not fully disclosed its reasons for targeting Evin, they stated they were attacking "regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran." The focus of their strikes was on the prison’s two entrances, although there are no reports of successful escapes; tragically, some inmates are believed to have lost their lives in the assault.
In the aftermath, the breaches created by the Israeli missiles are being rapidly repaired. We observed a team of masons diligently working to restore the prison’s perimeter, brick by brick, sealing off the outside world once again.
Evin Prison remains a potent symbol of the ongoing struggles for human rights and freedom in Iran, a place where the echoes of oppression resonate deeply. As the world watches, the stories of those held within its walls continue to unfold.
