A recent aerial assault by Israel on Evin prison in Tehran has left a trail of devastation and ignited a firestorm of indignation across Iran, encompassing even those who typically oppose the ruling regime. This harrowing incident, part of a protracted 12-day conflict, resulted in a significant death toll and extensive damage to the notorious detention facility. The repercussions of this strike highlight the volatile geopolitical landscape of the region and the profound human cost of escalating hostilities.
The infamous Evin prison, situated in Tehran, has for decades served as a stark emblem of state repression in Iran, its grim reputation extending globally. Throughout various eras of Iranian rule, from the Shah's regime to the current clerical establishment, Evin has been utilized as a site for suppressing dissent through detention, severe interrogation, and even execution. The recent missile attack on this institution on June 23rd, 2025, sparked widespread condemnation and anger within Iran, resonating even among the government's staunchest critics.
This particular strike marked the most lethal incident of the ongoing 12-day armed conflict between Israel and Iran. Initial reports from Iran indicate that 79 individuals perished in the assault on Evin, with many more sustaining injuries. Authorities anticipate that the number of casualties will continue to climb as recovery efforts proceed. The bombardment caused extensive destruction, turning ceilings, walls, and furniture within the prison's visitor center into chaotic piles of rubble. Administrative offices were left in disarray, with scorched documents and shattered glass littering the floors. The infirmary, too, suffered considerable damage, with patient beds and medical equipment strewn amidst the wreckage.
Tragically, among the confirmed fatalities and wounded were individuals from various walks of life, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attack. Iranian media outlets, human rights organizations, and activists have reported that victims included family members who were visiting inmates, social workers, a legal professional, medical staff such as physicians and nurses, a young five-year-old child, and even teenage soldiers fulfilling their mandatory military service as prison guards. Additionally, administrative personnel and local residents of the area surrounding the prison were caught in the crossfire, highlighting the widespread impact of the strike beyond the prison walls.
The devastating Israeli assault on Evin prison has not only caused significant human suffering and material destruction but has also ignited profound anger and united disparate factions within Iran in their condemnation of the attack, marking a grim chapter in the ongoing regional tensions.