Suspicious Smoke and Gunshots... Riot Erupts in Iranian Prison

Fire Breaks Out in Tehran Prison Marking One Month of 'Hijab Protests,' 8 Injured
Many Political Prisoners and Activists Detained, Widespread Allegations of Massacre on SNS... Authorities Claim "No Connection to Anti-Government Protests"

A month after the 'Hijab protests' erupted in Iran, smoke is rising from a prison in the capital, Tehran. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] As it marks one month since the 'hijab protests' erupted in Iran, a chaotic atmosphere continues with gunfire and fires breaking out at a prison in the capital city of Tehran.

According to AP News and others on the 15th (local time), a fire broke out in the evening at Evin Prison in northern Tehran, with at least eight people reported injured. The prison houses many political prisoners and anti-government figures, including reformist politician Mostafa Tajzadeh and film director Jafar Panahi.

However, a representative from Evin Prison told the Iranian state news agency IRNA, "The situation is completely under control," explaining that "a clash occurred between inmates and guards in one of the prison buildings." Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi also drew a line, stating, "This disturbance is not related to the anti-government protests over the past four weeks."

Nevertheless, videos showing smoke rising from the prison have continued to be posted on social media platforms such as Twitter, raising suspicions. The Iranian anti-government monitoring group '1500 Tasvir' stated, "There was a large fire and gunfire at Evin Prison in Tehran," adding, "Evin Prison houses political prisoners, and we believe a massacre is taking place."

Some reports claim that police blocked all roads leading to Evin Prison, and at least three loud explosions were heard afterward. According to the BBC and others, nearby roads experienced severe traffic congestion, and drivers reportedly honked their horns in solidarity with the prison riot. However, the exact facts have not yet been confirmed.

On social media, there were also claims that people shouted "Death to Khamenei" from buildings near the prison. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, on the 3rd (local time) labeled the anti-government protests in Iran as "riots" and claimed that the United States and Israel were behind the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, anti-government protests have continued for a month since 22-year-old woman Mahsa Amini died on the 16th of last month (local time), three days after being arrested by police for not wearing a hijab. According to Iran Human Rights (IHR), headquartered in Norway, at least 185 people have died in the protests as of the 9th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.