4 Dead In Fire At Iran’s Notorious Evin Prison As Protests Continue

Topline

A fire broke out at Iran’s Evin prison—known for housing anti-government activists and political prisoners—over the weekend, killing at least four people and injuring more than 60, state media outlets reported Sunday, following weeks of anti-government protests in Iran over the death of a young woman in police custody.

A charred building is seen after a fire on the property of the Evin prison, in Tehran, Iran.

Associated Press

Key Facts

Videos circulating online showed a large blaze with gunfire and explosions at the site of the Tehran prison, while some people chanted “death to the dictator,” a reference to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and one of the slogans of the anti-government protests.

State news outlets reported the fire broke out Saturday following clashes between prisoners in two wards, causing other inmates to set off the blaze in a workshop and a warehouse containing clothes—Iranian state media also claimed the event was unrelated to the ongoing nationwide demonstrations.

Four prisoners serving time for robbery convictions died of smoke inhalation, while ten people were taken to the hospital, according to the local Mizan news agency.

No prisoners escaped during the fire, which was extinguished after several hours, according to state media.

What To Watch For

Anonymous sources inside the prison told the BBC the number of casualties is likely much higher than reported.

Key Background

Protests broke out across Iran about five weeks ago after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by Iran’s morality police in Tehran for breaking the country’s strict dress code. Amini’s family has said she died in police custody, and bruises and other signs of torture were found on her body after she was detained. The Iranian government has denied the allegations, with Iran’s parliament claiming Sunday Amini died because police delayed getting Amini medical treatment after she suffered a fall, leading the parliament to call on police to apologize. Thousands have taken to the streets in dozens of cities to protest Amini’s death, including women and girls, who have removed mandatory headscarves in public places to show their solidarity. Iranian officials have limited access to the internet and platforms like Whatsapp and Instagram to quell the protests, and have often cracked down harshly against demonstrations.

Tangent

Evin prison, located in the Evin neighborhood of Tehran, has been the main site for housing Iran’s political prisoners for the past several decades. Notable former inmates include Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, who was held in Evin for more than a year before his 2016 release. The prison has been dubbed “Evin University” due to the large number of student activists, journalists and intellectuals who have been detained there.

Surprising Fact

At least 200 people have been killed in Iran since the demonstrations began on September 17, according to human rights groups. Amnesty International has said 23 children have been killed, calling the government’s actions an “unrelenting brutal crackdown.” Iranian security personnel have tried to disperse crowds through arrests, tear gas and sound bombs, and have appeared to fire at protesters.