Amnesty urges probe into Israeli strike on Tehran prison - Region
The strike, confirmed by Israel, killed 79 people, according to a provisional tally by Iranian authorities.
It also destroyed part of the administrative building in Evin, a large, heavily fortified complex in the north of Tehran, which rights groups say holds political prisoners and foreign nationals.
Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organisation that campaigns to protect human rights, called the Israeli attack "deliberate" and "a serious violation of international humanitarian law".
The air strikes should therefore be "criminally investigated as war crimes", it said.
"The Israeli military carried out multiple air strikes on Evin prison, killing and injuring scores of civilians and causing extensive damage and destruction in at least six locations across the prison complex," Amnesty said, basing its assessment on what it said were verified video footage, satellite images and witness statements.
There was nothing to suggest that Evin prison could justifiably be seen as a "legal military objective", it said.
The strike on Evin was part of a bombardment campaign Israel launched on Iranian targets on June 13 with the stated aim of stopping the Islamic republic from acquiring nuclear weapon capabilities.
The victims of the June 23 attack included administrative staff, guards, prisoners and visiting relatives, as well as people living nearby.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 prisoners were being held at the time in the prison.
Among them were Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals arrested three years ago accused of espionage.
They were not injured in the attack, their families said, and have since been transferred to a different location.
France, and other western governments, consider them and others to be "hostages" taken by the Iranian authorities for leverage in negotiations.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Middle East
5 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// Egyptian, Qatari FMs discuss efforts to secure Gaza ceasefire deal
CAIRO, July 27 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed in a phone call with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the latest developments in the Gaza Strip, especially in light the efforts made by Egypt and Qatar to strike a ceasefire deal in the Palestinian enclave. The two top diplomats highlighted flagrant crimes and violations committed by Israel against Palestinians, amid the unprecedented humanitarian situation in Gaza, said spokesman for the foreign ministry Tamim Khallaf. Abdelatty and Sheikh Mohammed stressed their full commitment to continuing negotiations between Israel and Hamas to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement as soon as possible, which contributes to allowing the access of humanitarian and relief aid into the Palestinian territory and putting an end to the repeated crimes committed by Israel. The pair also addressed the latest updates regarding Egypt's hosting of an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, which aims to implement the Arab-Islamic plan for the reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave. They underlined the importance of sustaining joint coordination between the two countries and mobilizing international backing for establishing a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. (MENA) M R E/R E E
Middle East
5 hours ago
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt, Italy FMs discuss Gaza crisis, Nile water security in phone call
CAIRO, July 27 (MENA) – Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call on Sunday with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip, as well as the situation in the Horn of Africa and Libya and Egypt's water security. Foreign ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty briefed his Italian counterpart on Egypt's efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire, ensure the flow of humanitarian and relief aid, and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians amid the grave Israeli violations in the enclave. Tajani expressed full appreciation for Egypt's role in mediating a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid access. He also voiced support for the planned Gaza early recovery and reconstruction conference, which Egypt intends to host once a ceasefire is achieved, confirming Italy's participation. The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination in the coming period to intensify efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and guaranteeing the delivery of aid to Gaza. Khallaf said that the call also touched on the broader situation in the Horn of Africa, noting that both sides emphasized continued coordination between the two countries, underpinned by strong relations at the leadership level. Abdelatty also raised Egypt's concerns regarding the Nile River and national water security, outlining Egypt's position that shared water resources must be managed in line with international law. He called for cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit to serve the interests of all Nile Basin countries. He also rejected unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile region and asserted that Egypt would take all necessary measures guaranteed by international law to protect its vital national interests. On Libya, the two ministers discussed the importance of holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections as soon as possible. They also stressed the need to dismantle militias and ensure the withdrawal of all foreign forces, fighters, and mercenaries as essential steps toward achieving stability and curbing illegal migration. (MENA) R E E/
See - Sada Elbalad
7 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt, Italy Hold High-Level Phone Call
Taarek Refaat Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration Badr Abdelatty held a telephone conversation on Sunday with Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss critical developments across the Middle East and Africa. The call focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ongoing instability in Libya and the Horn of Africa, and Egypt's escalating concerns over Nile water security. According to Tamim Khalaf, official spokesperson for the ministry, Minister Abdelatty briefed his Italian counterpart on Egypt's ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to the besieged Palestinian enclave. The Egyptian minister condemned what he described as 'blatant violations' committed by Israeli forces in Gaza. Minister Tajani expressed full appreciation for Egypt's mediation role, voicing support for Cairo's initiative to host an international reconstruction and recovery conference once a ceasefire is achieved. He also confirmed Italy's participation in the event. Both ministers agreed to intensify joint diplomatic coordination in the coming weeks to help de-escalate the conflict and ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. The conversation also touched on mounting tensions in the Horn of Africa, where both sides emphasized the need for continued coordination in light of growing regional instability. Minister Abdelatty also raised Egypt's long-standing concerns regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and broader Nile water security. He reiterated Egypt's position that shared water resources must be managed in accordance with international law, advocating for cooperation based on consensus and mutual benefit. Abdelatty rejected any unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile Basin, warning that Egypt would take all measures guaranteed under international law to protect its vital water interests and the rights of its people. On Libya, the two diplomats underscored the urgent need to hold presidential and parliamentary elections simultaneously at the earliest opportunity. Both sides stressed that dismantling militias and ensuring the withdrawal of all foreign fighters and mercenaries is essential for restoring Libya's sovereignty, ensuring long-term security, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration across the Mediterranean. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
