Fact Check: "French nationals in Evin Prison were endangered by the Israeli strike."
What We Know
On June 23, 2025, Israel conducted a military strike on Tehran's Evin prison, which is known for housing political detainees, including foreign nationals. Following the attack, France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the strike as "unacceptable," specifically highlighting that it endangered the lives of two French citizens, Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been held in the prison for three years on espionage charges (Reuters). The Iranian judiciary confirmed that the strike caused damage to the facility and reported that the situation was "under control" after the attack (BBC).
Reports indicate that the strike resulted in casualties, with Iranian officials claiming that at least 71 people were killed (Reuters). Eyewitness accounts described a powerful explosion that shattered windows in the surrounding area, and there were reports of injuries among inmates and visitors at the prison (BBC). Amnesty International also expressed concern, stating that attacks on civilian objects are prohibited under international humanitarian law, which could classify the strike as a war crime (BBC).
Analysis
The claim that French nationals in Evin Prison were endangered by the Israeli strike is supported by multiple credible sources. France's Foreign Minister explicitly stated that the strike endangered the lives of Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, confirming the presence of these nationals in the prison at the time of the attack (Reuters, Reuters). The Israeli military's acknowledgment of the strike targeting Evin prison further corroborates the claim that the facility was indeed struck, putting all individuals inside at risk.
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. Reuters and BBC are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking protocols. The information provided by these sources is consistent, with multiple reports confirming the strike and its implications for the French nationals.
However, it is important to note that while the strike was aimed at what Israel described as "regime targets," the collateral damage and the presence of civilians, including foreign nationals, raise significant ethical and legal questions regarding the operation (BBC). The reports of casualties and injuries among inmates and visitors further highlight the potential risks associated with such military actions.
Conclusion
The claim that French nationals in Evin Prison were endangered by the Israeli strike is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the strike targeted a facility housing these nationals, thereby placing their lives at risk. The explicit statements from French officials regarding the danger posed to their citizens reinforce the validity of this claim.
Sources
- Israeli strike on Tehran's Evin prison unacceptable, France says
- Iran says 71 killed in Israeli strike on Evin Prison
- Calder Valley (UK Parliament constituency) - Wikipedia
- Israel says it struck Tehran's Evin prison and Fordo access
- Find your MP - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament
- Contact information for Josh Fenton-Glynn - UK Parliament
- Israeli strike on Iranian prison killed more than 70, says
- Craig Whittaker - Calderdale
