Fact Check: "At least 71 people killed in Israeli attack on Tehran's Evin prison, Iran reports."
What We Know
On June 29, 2025, Iran's judiciary reported that at least 71 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Evin prison in Tehran, a facility known for housing political prisoners and dissidents. The judiciary spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, stated that the casualties included staff, soldiers, prisoners, and family members visiting inmates (AP News, Reuters). The attack occurred on June 23, just before a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, and it reportedly targeted several buildings within the prison, including the infirmary and visitation hall (Washington Post, CNN).
While the Iranian government has provided these casualty figures, it is important to note that independent verification of the claim has not been possible (AP News). Rights groups have expressed concerns regarding the attack, emphasizing that it violated the principle of distinguishing between military and civilian targets (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that at least 71 people were killed in the Israeli attack on Evin prison is supported by multiple reputable news sources, including the Associated Press, Reuters, and the Washington Post. Each of these outlets has reported the same casualty figure as stated by Iran's judiciary (AP News, Reuters, Washington Post). However, the lack of independent verification raises questions about the accuracy of the reported numbers.
The Iranian regime has a history of controlling information, particularly regarding sensitive issues such as military actions and human rights abuses. This potential bias necessitates a cautious approach when interpreting the figures provided by Iranian officials. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple credible news outlets lends some weight to the claim.
Moreover, the context of the attack is significant. The strike on Evin prison was part of a broader military conflict between Israel and Iran, which included numerous attacks over a 12-day period. Reports indicate that during this time, Israel targeted various military and governmental sites in Iran, which complicates the narrative surrounding the attack on the prison (AP News, CNN).
The implications of the attack are also noteworthy, as it raises serious concerns about the safety of inmates and the responsibilities of the Iranian government to protect them. Human rights advocates have criticized Iran for its failure to ensure the safety of prisoners during such military actions (AP News).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that at least 71 people were killed in the Israeli attack on Tehran's Evin prison is substantiated by multiple credible sources, despite the lack of independent verification. The reports from Iran's judiciary, while potentially biased, are corroborated by major news organizations. Given the consistency of the casualty figures across these outlets and the context of the military conflict, the claim is deemed true.
Sources
- Iran's judiciary says at least 71 killed in Israel's attack on ... AP News
- Iran says 71 killed in Israeli strike on Evin Prison Reuters
- Iran's judiciary says at least 71 killed in Israel's attack on ... Washington Post
- Israeli strike on Iranian prison killed more than 70, says ... CNN
