Iran’s judiciary said Sunday at least 71 were killed when Israel targeted Tehran’s Evin prison during this month’s 12-day war, days after a ceasefire ended fighting between the arch-enemies.
Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said, “Based on official estimates, 71 individuals were killed in the bombing of Evin prison,” in reference to the bombing conducted on June 13 as part of the campaign of bombardments by Israel.
Extent of Destruction and Injuries
The Monday Israeli raid severely destroyed part of Evin’s administrative building. The large, well-equipped prison compound in northern Tehran is notorious for keeping political detainees and foreign nationals, according to human rights organizations.
Jahangir added that the victims of the attack included prison officials, guards, prisoners, and visiting family members as well as neighboring residents.
Facility and Inmates Impacted
The judiciary disclosed that Evin’s health centre and waiting areas were among the targeted sections. Photos released by the authorities depicted widespread damage within the prison, including ceilings that had collapsed, broken walls, debris scattered everywhere, and broken floors in waiting areas.
One day after the attack, Tuesday, Iranian authorities confirmed that prisoners were evacuated from Evin prison but declined to give the number of prisoners relocated or their identities.
Evin has previously held high-profile detainees, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, several French citizens, and other foreigners.
