Iran confirms at least 71 killed in Israeli strike on notorious Evin prison
Iran has confirmed that an Israeli strike on Tehran’s Evin prison resulted in the deaths of at least 71 people, including staff members, soldiers, prisoners, and visitors. The strike, which took place on June 23, also left several others injured, with some being treated on site and others taken to hospitals for further medical attention.
Among the casualties were 35 staff members, two inmates, a person walking near the prison, and a woman who had gone to meet a judge regarding her imprisoned husband’s case. The top prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar was also killed in the attack. Ghanaatkar, known for his prosecution of dissidents, had faced criticism from human rights groups for his handling of cases such as that of Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi.
The attack on Evin prison was part of a series of Israeli strikes targeting regime facilities and government repression bodies in Tehran. The prison, known for housing political prisoners and dissidents, was a key target for Israel during its 12-day operation, which also saw the deaths of Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, as well as the destruction of nuclear-related facilities and military infrastructure sites.
Despite President Donald Trump’s assertion that American strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that Iran still possesses the industrial and technological capacities to restart its nuclear program if it chooses to do so. While severe damage has been inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities, it is unclear the extent of the damage without inspectors being allowed access, a permission which Iranian officials have not granted.
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, warned that Iran could potentially resume enriching uranium within a matter of months if it decides to do so. While the country’s nuclear capabilities have been significantly impacted, Grossi emphasized that Iran still retains the capacity to restart its nuclear program. The situation remains uncertain, with the possibility of Iran reactivating its nuclear activities looming in the future.
The aftermath of the Israeli strike on Evin prison serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, as well as the broader implications for regional stability and nuclear proliferation. As the international community monitors the situation closely, the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and promote peaceful resolutions becomes increasingly urgent.
