On Monday, Israel carried out an airstrike on Evin Prison in Tehran, a facility known for holding thousands of political prisoners. The strike is part of Israel’s broader military campaign against the Iranian regime, which has been criticized for its harsh treatment of dissenters.
Footage from the attack shows a missile hitting the prison, blowing open its doors. Evin Prison has a notorious reputation as a site of torture and execution under the Islamic Republic. Many prisoners have faced brutal treatment and summary executions, especially during the regime’s early years in the late 1980s.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on social media that the airstrike was part of a larger operation targeting key regime sites in Tehran. This included not only Evin Prison but also various security and military headquarters associated with the Iranian government.
Iraj Mesdaghi, a former political prisoner who endured torture in Evin, expressed mixed feelings about the attack. While he is concerned for the safety of current prisoners, he also feels a sense of justice seeing those responsible for his suffering targeted. Mesdaghi shared his harrowing experiences of torture, including prolonged solitary confinement and physical abuse.
Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad also commented on the situation, stating that the regime responded to the bombing by increasing security around the prison to prevent any prisoners from escaping. She emphasized that during wartime, it is crucial for political prisoners to be released rather than held captive.
As the situation unfolds, there are fears that if the Iranian leadership, particularly Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, survives the attack, the regime may retaliate by executing more political prisoners. Mesdaghi urged the international community to support the Iranian people and advocate for the release of those unjustly imprisoned.
This airstrike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, highlighting the complex and often dangerous dynamics in the region.