Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jul 23: One month after Israel bombed Iran’s notorious Evin prison, survivors relocated to other facilities say they face inhumane conditions, with overcrowding, poor sanitation, and lack of medical care.

Evin prison, which housed political dissidents, journalists, and minority groups, was hit on June 23 in a strike that killed 80 people, including five inmates and 54 staff. Israel claimed the site was used for intelligence operations, calling it a symbol of oppression. Iran labeled the attack a “war crime,” while Amnesty International said it violated international law and must be probed as a potential war crime.

After the attack, all inmates were shifted to other jails. Inmates transferred to Fashafouyeh Prison, 32 km from Tehran, describe harsh conditions—no air conditioning, overcrowded cells, insect infestations, and limited toilets. Verified video shows prisoners sleeping on floors in cramped quarters.

Authorities promised improvements, but political detainees remain mixed with violent offenders, a practice rights groups say is used to intimidate dissidents and violates UN rules.

One detainee’s wife said she’s been unable to visit him due to the prison’s remote location. “We are forgotten,” he told his family. Another political prisoner called the place “unbearable” due to poor hygiene and bedbug infestations.

Prominent journalist Mehdi Mahmoodian, also transferred to Fashafouyeh, wrote that prisoners there had been “long forgotten” and subjected to “years of humiliation.”

Fariba Kamalabadi, a 62-year-old Baha’i transferred to Qarchak Prison, said she would rather have died in the strike. Her daughter said Kamalabadi shares an overcrowded cell with 60 others, including elderly women, and lives among flies, without visits from her grandchildren due to Iran’s strict visitation policies.

Family members of those killed near the prison also grieve. Mehrangiz Imenpour, a 61-year-old painter, died when walking past the visitor centre during the bombing. “When states go to war, innocent people pay the price,” a relative said. “Both sides are responsible.”