Iran Reports 71 Casualties Following Attack on Tehran Prison

In the aftermath of an airstrike on the Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran has reported at least 71 fatalities, including prison staff, conscripts, inmates, and relatives of prisoners. This revelation comes a week after the Israeli military targeted the facility, purportedly as a symbolic strike against the Iranian government.

As the situation unfolds, many families continue to anxiously await news regarding their incarcerated relatives. The Iranian judiciary's spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, confirmed the death toll, although independent verification of these figures remains challenging due to the Iranian authorities' restrictions on access to the prison.

The attack on Evin Prison, known for its notorious treatment of political prisoners, particularly during protests, involved bombing administrative buildings, according to Israeli sources. Critics, including former inmates and activists, have condemned the strike, fearing for the lives of political prisoners, several of whom are reportedly European nationals.

The Iranian government has provided limited information about the extent of the damage, the fate of those detained, or the identities of the deceased. A planned press visit to the prison was initially canceled but later allowed for select media outlets.

Reports indicate that the airstrike targeted areas used by the prosecution and medical facilities within the prison, where many lawyers and military personnel were present at the time. Among the reported casualties is prosecutor Ali Ghanatkar, known for playing a role in the sentencing of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, who was herself held in Evin.

The uncertainty surrounding the situation has been particularly distressing for families of those imprisoned. Many have voiced their concerns on social media, using the hashtag #WhereIsOurPrisoner to call for greater transparency from the judiciary.

Additionally, it has been reported that some inmates were transferred to other prisons following the attack, where conditions are said to be even worse than in Evin, which is already infamous for its harsh treatment of detainees.

As the conflict between Iran and Israel continues, official Iranian sources indicate that the death toll from the ongoing hostilities has exceeded 620, including over 20 high-ranking commanders. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) has reported nearly 1,200 deaths, relying on informants and publicly available information. In Israel, 28 fatalities have been reported due to Iranian attacks.