Evin Prison
Iran's most notorious political detention facility in northern Tehran, holding political prisoners, journalists and dual nationals since 1979.
Last refreshed: 29 March 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
The regime emptied its political prison before it sheltered its capital: what does that tell you about its priorities?
Latest on Evin Prison
- What is Evin Prison?
- Evin Prison is Iran's most notorious detention facility, located in northern Tehran. Built in 1972, it holds political prisoners, journalists and dual nationals. Ward 209 is controlled by the intelligence ministry for the most sensitive cases.
- What happened at Evin Prison in 2026?
- During the 2026 Iran conflict, Iran's special forces (NOPO) seized Evin Prison and forcibly transferred prisoners while detainees resisted. The intelligence ministry separately emptied Ward 209, relocating its most sensitive detainees to undisclosed locations.
- Who is held in Evin Prison?
- Evin has held political prisoners, journalists, dual nationals and activists since the 1979 revolution. Notable inmates include Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and numerous foreign nationals used as diplomatic leverage.
Background
Evin is Iran's most notorious detention facility, located in the hills of northern Tehran. Built in 1972 under the Shah, it became the Islamic Republic's primary site for holding political prisoners, journalists and dual nationals after the 1979 revolution. Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was among its most prominent inmates.
Iran's special forces seized Evin during the 2026 conflict, forcibly transferring prisoners while detainees in multiple wards resisted . The intelligence ministry separately emptied Ward 209, its own wing for the most sensitive political and security cases, relocating detainees to undisclosed locations under bombardment .
The wartime seizure revealed the regime's priorities: securing political prisoners before protecting civilians. Ward 209 was emptied while Tehran's nine million residents had no bomb shelters or siren system. The transfers also left rights organisations unable to verify the whereabouts or conditions of high-profile detainees whose cases had served as diplomatic leverage for years.
