Context:

An Israeli attack on Evin Prison in Tehran on June 23 resulted in the death of 71 individuals, including detainees, visiting relatives, and prison staff, as reported by Iranian state media. The prison, known for housing political prisoners and dual-citizen detainees accused of espionage, has faced allegations of torture and executions. Israel's defense ministry did not comment on the attack, which was part of a broader offensive against Iranian regime sites during a 12-day conflict that concluded with a ceasefire. Concerns are mounting as families of detainees are left in the dark about their loved ones' whereabouts, with reports of detainees being relocated to unspecified prisons in the Tehran Province. The attack also resulted in significant damage to the prison's infrastructure and surrounding areas, as highlighted by Iranian news agencies IRNA and Mizan.

Dive Deeper:

• The June 23 Israeli attack on Evin Prison, a facility notorious for detaining political prisoners and those accused of espionage, resulted in the deaths of 71 people, according to Iranian state media. The victims included detainees, visiting relatives, and prison personnel.

• Evin Prison is infamous for its harsh treatment of inmates, including allegations of torture, long interrogations, and solitary confinement. It houses numerous political prisoners, activists, and dual citizens accused of spying by the Iranian government.

• Israeli officials did not provide comments regarding the strike, which was part of a broader military operation targeting Iranian regime sites, including the Basij headquarters, during a 12-day conflict that ended with a ceasefire.

• Families of prisoners are expressing distress over the lack of communication and information regarding the status and location of their loved ones following the attack. Reports indicate that some detainees have been moved to other prisons within Tehran Province, although details remain scarce.

• The attack inflicted extensive damage on Evin Prison’s infrastructure, including its clinic, technical engineering building, visitation hall, and judicial office, as well as causing physical and financial harm to the surrounding neighborhood.