Fact Check: "At least 71 killed in Israel's attack on Tehran's Evin prison."
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted Evin Prison in Tehran, a facility notorious for housing political prisoners and dissidents. According to Iran's judiciary, at least 71 individuals were killed in this attack, which included prison staff, soldiers, inmates, and family members visiting the prison at the time (AP News, Reuters). The judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, confirmed these figures and stated that the attack caused significant damage to various sections of the prison, including the infirmary and visitation hall (CNN).
The attack occurred during a period of escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran, which had seen multiple strikes over the preceding days. The Israeli Defense Ministry indicated that the strike was part of broader operations targeting "regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran" (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that "at least 71 killed in Israel's attack on Tehran's Evin prison" is supported by multiple credible sources, including the Iranian judiciary and international news agencies. The reports from AP News, Reuters, and CNN all corroborate the casualty figures provided by Iranian officials. However, it is important to note that independent verification of these claims is challenging due to the nature of the conflict and the restrictions on information coming from Iran.
While the Iranian judiciary's statements are official, they may carry a degree of bias, as the Iranian government has a vested interest in portraying its adversaries negatively. Nonetheless, the consistency across various reputable news outlets lends credibility to the reported figures. Additionally, the context of the attack—targeting a facility known for human rights abuses—adds complexity to the narrative, as it raises questions about the legality and morality of such military actions under international law (CNN).
Conclusion
The claim that "at least 71 killed in Israel's attack on Tehran's Evin prison" is True. The information is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including statements from Iranian officials and reports from international news agencies. While the figures may be politically motivated, the consistency of the reports supports the conclusion that a significant number of casualties occurred as a result of the attack.
