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One month after a deadly Israeli air strike on the notorious Evin prison in Iran, inmates report dire living conditions at their new facilities. Despite promises to improve conditions, detainees face overcrowding, insufficient beds and air conditioning, limited access to toilets and showers, and infestations. The BBC has verified these accounts from family members, who wish to remain anonymous for safety concerns.
Before the strike on June 23, Evin housed thousands, including political dissidents, journalists, and minority detainees. All prisoners were moved following the attack. Israel claims the prison was a hub for intelligence operations against it, while Iran labels the strike as a “war crime.”
In Evin’s stead, prisoners are now held in remote facilities, like the Greater Tehran Central Penitentiary (Fashafouyeh). Conditions there are described as inhumane – detainees often sleep on the floor in overcrowded cells without air conditioning; some are held with those accused or convicted of violent crimes, in contravention of international norms. Exhibits of poor hygiene and lack of basic amenities are said to be more pronounced than in Evin.
Instances of protests within these prisons have been reported. Upon trying to document better conditions, prison authorities were interrupted by inmates chanting anti-government slogans.
Fariba Kamalabadi, a Baha’i detainee transferred to Qarchak Prison, has families concerned for her well-being. With three other women in her cell, space is so limited that they must take turns eating at a communal table. Qarchak is known for its overcrowding and poor sanitation.
The BBC has confirmed the deaths of seven civilians linked to the strike on Evin, including a five- year-old boy and a painter. Mehrangiz Imenpour, 61, was one such victim. Her family recounts how she went to use a cash machine and was caught in the attack’s crossfire. They stress the human cost of the conflict, calling for accountability from both parties involved.
By Shayan Sardarizadeh for BBC Verify.
