Disturbing images emerged over the weekend of a notorious Iranian prison, where the country’s political enemies are detained, erupting in flames as explosions and gunshots can be seen and heard.
The violence comes as the Islamic Republic has seen weeks of riots and backlash against the authoritarian regime that was sparked in the middle of September over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for violating the country’s laws that require women to wear a hijab. Reports have said that police brutally beat her.
It’s unknown how many people have been killed by the Islamic Republic in response to the protests, but some reports have pinned the number as more than 200.
The fire broke out at Evin Prison on Saturday, leading to a chaotic situation as videos online showed people appearing to be driving toward the prison amid the uncertainty.
Iranian state-run media, which promotes propaganda for the regime, claimed at least four prisoners died and 61 others were injured. However, sources told the BBC that casualties are higher.
Iranian authorities have claimed there was unrest among prisoners convicted of financial crimes and theft, leading to a prison workshop being set on fire.
The New York Times notes that the brutal prison holds American citizens, prominent political opposition, activists, lawyers, scholars, dissidents, and more.
Below are some of the images that have emerged from the incident:
A large, dark plume of smoke is seen billowing near Evin prison in northern Tehran & gunshots are heard in multiple social media videos shared online Saturday night.
CNN’s @JomanaCNN reporting on the latest #IranProtests pic.twitter.com/Zk6Epa1dGI— Artemis Moshtaghian (@ArtemisChats) October 15, 2022
We don’t know yet who started the fire now in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison, but we know the murderous Ayatollah regime is burning to the ground. pic.twitter.com/6lQ8RGGZ9E
— Hillel Neuer (@HillelNeuer) October 15, 2022
Video said to show a pretty big fire at Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Iranian media reporting the same. No comment from the city's fire department yet.pic.twitter.com/O60cOlPwC4
— Kian Sharifi (@KianSharifi) October 15, 2022
People are heading towards Evin prison in Tehran after reports of fire and explosion in Evin.
This is another sign that the Islamic Republic is losing control.Evin is where the Islamic Republic holds many political prisoners.
The lives of prisoners are in danger#MahsaAmini pic.twitter.com/Skt1vwp6zq— Masih Alinejad 🏳️ (@AlinejadMasih) October 15, 2022
People chanting down with dictator around #Evin prison #Twhran #Iran#MahsaAmini
— Sima Sabet | سیما ثابت (@Sima_Sabet) October 15, 2022
The infamous Evin prison in Tehran is on fire. Gunfire heard. This is big. pic.twitter.com/oC0coITH6B
— Frida Ghitis (@FridaGhitis) October 15, 2022
State Department spokesman Ned Price said that officials are monitoring the situation and Iran must release wrongfully detained prisoners.
“We are following reports from Evin Prison with urgency,” he tweeted. “We are in contact with the Swiss as our protecting power. Iran is fully responsible for the safety of our wrongfully detained citizens, who should be released immediately.”
President Joe Biden (D) was asked about the matter late on Saturday, to which he responded by calling the Iranian government “oppressive,” adding that they are “not a good group.”
Jason Rezaian, a columnist who spent nearly two years in the prison, tweeted: “Evin is no ordinary prison.”
“Many of Iran’s best & brightest have spent long stretches confined there, where brave women & men are denied their basic rights for speaking truth to power. The regime is responsible for what happens to those inside right now,” he continued. “It may feel that the events in Iran are happening very far away. Multiple American citizens, and citizens of many of our allied nations are currently being held hostage in Evin, alongside Iranian activists, intellectuals, journalists, artists, scientists and so many others.”
It may feel that the events in Iran are happening very far away. Multiple American citizens, and citizens of many of our allied nations are currently being held hostage in Evin, alongside Iranian activists, intellectuals, journalists, artists, scientists and so many others.
— Jason Rezaian (@jrezaian) October 15, 2022