Fact Check: Israel's attack on Evin Prison kills 71 people, including inmates and staff.

Fact Check: "Israel's attack on Evin Prison kills 71 people, including inmates and staff."

What We Know

On June 23, 2025, an Israeli airstrike targeted Evin Prison in Tehran, Iran, resulting in the reported deaths of 71 individuals. According to Iranian state media, this figure includes inmates, prison staff, and visitors who were present at the facility during the attack (source-2). The Iranian judiciary's spokesman, Asghar Jahangir, confirmed that the casualties included detainees, administrative staff, conscript soldiers, and nearby residents (source-3). This incident occurred amid a broader conflict between Israel and Iran, which had seen multiple strikes over a 12-day period, resulting in significant casualties on both sides (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that "Israel's attack on Evin Prison kills 71 people, including inmates and staff" is supported by multiple credible sources, including major news outlets such as The New York Times and Reuters, which reported on the incident shortly after it occurred. The reports detail the nature of the attack and the subsequent death toll, which has been corroborated by Iranian state media (source-2, source-3).

However, it is important to note that while Iranian state media reported the death toll, independent verification of these figures is challenging due to the restricted communication from within the prison and the ongoing conflict. The Israeli government has not commented on the specific claims regarding the attack on Evin Prison, which raises questions about the reliability of the reported numbers (source-2).

Despite the lack of independent verification, the consistency of reports across various reputable news organizations lends credibility to the claim. Additionally, the context of the attack—part of a larger military operation against Iranian targets—supports the likelihood of significant casualties occurring during such strikes.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Israel's attack on Evin Prison kills 71 people, including inmates and staff" is substantiated by multiple credible sources, including Iranian state media and international news outlets. While independent verification is limited, the consistency of the reports and the context of the military actions support the accuracy of the claim.

Fact Check: Israel's attack on Evin Prison kills 71 people, including inmates and staff.