For me, hell was not the moment Israel attacked; hell was the moment they wouldn't open the door [of the cell] for us, Motahareh Goonei recalls in an exclusive interview with the BBC. A political activist, Goonei was in solitary confinement in Iran's notorious Evin Prison when it was hit in a targeted attack by Israel on 23 June. Satellite imagery, witness accounts, and verified footage obtained by BBC News Persian reveal new details of the attack in the closing hours of the Israel-Iran war and of those who died. The high-security complex, perched on the northern edge of Tehran, has held thousands of political prisoners over the past half-century. On that day in June, the prison became the site of the deadliest Israeli strike on Iranian soil in terms of civilian casualties. Iranian authorities say 80 people were killed - among them prison staff, inmates, medical workers, visitors, and residents of nearby neighborhoods. In a report published on 14 August, Human Rights Watch said that Israeli air strikes on the prison were unlawfully indiscriminate and amounted to an apparent war crime. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the facility was being used for intelligence operations against Israel. Eyewitness accounts detail the panic and despair felt by those trapped inside the burning prison as guards attempted to keep inmates from escaping. Activists express concern about the repercussions of the attack on Iran's political prisoners and their families, with many still unaccounted for in the aftermath.
Inside Israel's Attack on Iran's Evin Prison: Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos and Carnage
Inside Israel's Attack on Iran's Evin Prison: Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos and Carnage
In an unprecedented attack on Evin Prison, Israeli missiles targeted the notorious prison, leading to significant civilian casualties. Eyewitness accounts recount moments of terror, survival, and the aftermath of the strikes.
This article delves into the harrowing details surrounding the Israeli missile attack on Iran's Evin Prison that took place on June 23, citing eyewitness testimonies and satellite evidence. The incident is marked by significant civilian deaths, amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran. Survivors recount their experiences during the strikes, while reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch indicate possible violations of international law.
