The notorious Evin prison in Iran, which houses the majority of political detainees, is on fire.
Online video from social media platforms shows the neighbourhood engulfed in flames and smoke. Masih Alinejad, a journalist and activist from Iran, tweeted, “Iran’s notorious Evin jail in Tehran is ablaze. There was reportedly gunshots. Prisoners’ lives are in jeopardy. Family members of inmates are appalled and astonished.”
The fire breaks out as Iran experiences its most violent unrest in decades. Mahsa Amini, age 22, passed away in September after being held by the nation’s morality police for ostensibly not donning her hijab properly. Since then, Iranian authorities have launched a harsh crackdown on protesters, who have banded together to voice a variety of complaints about the dictatorial government there.
According to reports, Evin has received hundreds of individuals who were imprisoned during the protests.
“Following reports of a fire and explosion within Evin prison in Tehran, people are moving towards it. Another indication that the Islamic Republic is slipping out of control is this. The Islamic Republic has several political prisoners at Evin. Prisoners’ lives are in jeopardy, “Alinejad tweeted.
People who are moving near Evin prison reported hearing gunfire coming from the jail and spotting smoke.
In front of the entrance to the Evin prison, some inmate families have assembled.
Alinejad also pleaded with Western nations whose people are detained in Evin prison to promptly denounce the Islamic Republic and hold them responsible.
“At Evin, there are people detained from the US, the UK, Sweden, Germany, France, and other nations. Many Iranian inmates’ lives are in jeopardy, “Alinejad tweeted.
According to state media, the jail is now peaceful and “criminal elements” are to blame for the fire.
The official news agency IRNA said that the rioting that started the fire was over and cited an anonymous official as claiming that it took place in a jail area housing “thugs,” which seemed to rule out political prisoners as participants.
Uncertainty surrounds the cause of the fire at the jail outside of Tehran, the capital. State media indicates that firefighters are on the location, and there are rumours that special troops have arrived.
