TEHRAN — At least 71 people were killed in a devastating Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s notorious Evin prison during the recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, Iran’s judiciary confirmed on Sunday.
The missile strike, which occurred on June 17, tore through parts of the heavily fortified prison complex, demolishing administrative offices, visiting areas, and the medical wing. The assault marked one of the deadliest single incidents of the short but intense war.
Evin prison — long criticized by human rights organizations for holding political prisoners and foreign nationals — became a sudden epicenter of tragedy. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated that the casualties included prison staff, guards, detainees, visiting relatives, and civilians in nearby residential areas.
Graphic images released by Iranian authorities show the aftermath: collapsed ceilings, shattered walls, and debris strewn across the prison’s reception and medical facilities.
The judiciary reported that all inmates were swiftly relocated the day after the attack. However, no details were provided on where they were taken or how many were moved. Evin prison has been home to several high-profile inmates, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and detained citizens from France and other Western countries.
The strike came amid a wave of Israeli air raids launched on June 13 during the peak of hostilities. While a ceasefire now holds, the impact of the Evin prison attack continues to stir outrage and grief across Iran and beyond.
