Iran’s judiciary has confirmed that an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison during the recent 12-day conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 71 people.
The strike, which occurred on June 17, targeted a section of the prison’s administrative complex, causing extensive damage and claiming lives of prison staff, guards, inmates, visiting family members, and nearby residents.
Evin prison, a notorious facility in northern Tehran known for holding political prisoners and foreign nationals, has long drawn international scrutiny. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir stated that the attack struck key areas of the prison, including its medical centre and visitation rooms.
Images released by Iranian authorities show significant structural damage—collapsed ceilings, shattered walls, and debris-strewn corridors. The judiciary added that all inmates had since been evacuated from the prison, though it declined to disclose their number or destination.
Among Evin’s detainees have been high-profile figures such as Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi and several French citizens, raising concerns over the safety of foreign nationals during the strike.
The bombing of Evin prison was one of the most controversial events in the June 13 Israeli bombardment campaign, which ended with a ceasefire earlier this week.
What you should know
Iran has confirmed 71 fatalities—including staff, inmates, and civilians—following an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison during the June conflict. The prison, known for housing political and foreign detainees, suffered major damage, prompting the transfer of all inmates.
