In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Motahareh Goonei, a political activist held in solitary confinement, described the moments of terror when Israeli missiles struck Iran's notorious Evin Prison on June 23. She remarked, For me, hell was not the moment Israel attacked; hell was the moment they wouldn't open the door [of the cell] for us.
Goonei recounted the fear and chaos that ensued as she pounded on the door, believing it was the end of her life. Satellite imagery and witness accounts reveal a devastating attack that resulted in significant civilian casualties during the closing hours of an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Official reports indicate that at least 80 people died, including prison staff, inmates, and nearby residents.
Human Rights Watch condemned the ordeal as an apparent war crime, detailing how the strike was indiscriminate and unlawful. The IDF justified the attack, claiming that the facility was used for intelligence operations against Israel.
In a scene of extreme panic, Goonei described how both prisoners and staff helped one another despite the guards’ initial attempts to limit escapes. Medical personnel, too, found unexpected aid from inmates.
The BBC's investigation verified identities and circumstances of several victims, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical conflict. The attack not only raises serious humanitarian concerns but questions international laws protecting civilians in times of war.
Goonei recounted the fear and chaos that ensued as she pounded on the door, believing it was the end of her life. Satellite imagery and witness accounts reveal a devastating attack that resulted in significant civilian casualties during the closing hours of an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Official reports indicate that at least 80 people died, including prison staff, inmates, and nearby residents.
Human Rights Watch condemned the ordeal as an apparent war crime, detailing how the strike was indiscriminate and unlawful. The IDF justified the attack, claiming that the facility was used for intelligence operations against Israel.
In a scene of extreme panic, Goonei described how both prisoners and staff helped one another despite the guards’ initial attempts to limit escapes. Medical personnel, too, found unexpected aid from inmates.
The BBC's investigation verified identities and circumstances of several victims, highlighting the human cost of geopolitical conflict. The attack not only raises serious humanitarian concerns but questions international laws protecting civilians in times of war.
