Iran’s judiciary has confirmed that at least 71 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison last week, a notorious facility long criticised for its treatment of political prisoners and foreign detainees. The death toll was revealed seven days after the June 23 attack, amid growing scrutiny over Israel’s bombing campaign during the 12-day war with Iran.
The judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, said the victims included prison guards, staff, inmates, visiting family members and civilians living near the site. The strike reportedly destroyed several sections of the prison complex, including the administrative wing, the medical centre and visitor areas. Images released by the judiciary showed collapsed ceilings, shattered walls and debris-strewn halls inside the facility.
Follow live updates: Israel Iran News Live Updates: Khamanei absent as Iran mourns top military leaders
While Israel has not directly acknowledged responsibility for the Evin prison attack, it had confirmed conducting multiple airstrikes on military targets in Tehran. The strike triggered international alarm, with human rights groups and families of prisoners expressing fears for the safety of those inside. Noemie Kohler, the sister of French detainee Cecile Kohler held in Evin, called the attack “completely irresponsible,” adding, “We don’t know if they are still alive — we’re panicking.”
Evin, located in northern Tehran, is operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and houses many political dissidents and dual nationals. Among its detainees are French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, held since 2022 on espionage charges their families deny. Iranian authorities have since transferred an unspecified number of inmates from the facility.
Also read: ‘Deception and then a fatal blow’: How Israel chose the ‘perfect’ time to strike Iran; new details on Operation Rising Lion
The judiciary also confirmed the death of top prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar , known for his role in jailing dissidents including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. He is set to be buried at a shrine in Qom.
The prison strike came as part of Israel’s broader campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, launched on June 13. Over the 12-day conflict, more than 1,000 people were killed in Iran, including at least 417 civilians. Iran responded by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, intensifying fears of regional escalation before a ceasefire was reached on Tuesday.
The judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, said the victims included prison guards, staff, inmates, visiting family members and civilians living near the site. The strike reportedly destroyed several sections of the prison complex, including the administrative wing, the medical centre and visitor areas. Images released by the judiciary showed collapsed ceilings, shattered walls and debris-strewn halls inside the facility.
Follow live updates: Israel Iran News Live Updates: Khamanei absent as Iran mourns top military leaders
While Israel has not directly acknowledged responsibility for the Evin prison attack, it had confirmed conducting multiple airstrikes on military targets in Tehran. The strike triggered international alarm, with human rights groups and families of prisoners expressing fears for the safety of those inside. Noemie Kohler, the sister of French detainee Cecile Kohler held in Evin, called the attack “completely irresponsible,” adding, “We don’t know if they are still alive — we’re panicking.”
❗️ Israel strikes gates of Tehran's Evin Prison with pinpoint precision — Iranian media
— RT (@RT_com) June 23, 2025
The facility allegedly holds political prisoners and accused foreign spies and has long been condemned by Western governments and NGOs
A message — or a push for a coup? pic.twitter.com/4XF8vMy5qM
Evin, located in northern Tehran, is operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and houses many political dissidents and dual nationals. Among its detainees are French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, held since 2022 on espionage charges their families deny. Iranian authorities have since transferred an unspecified number of inmates from the facility.
Also read: ‘Deception and then a fatal blow’: How Israel chose the ‘perfect’ time to strike Iran; new details on Operation Rising Lion
The judiciary also confirmed the death of top prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar , known for his role in jailing dissidents including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi. He is set to be buried at a shrine in Qom.
The prison strike came as part of Israel’s broader campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, launched on June 13. Over the 12-day conflict, more than 1,000 people were killed in Iran, including at least 417 civilians. Iran responded by firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israeli cities, intensifying fears of regional escalation before a ceasefire was reached on Tuesday.
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