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Iran Chief Justice: Evin prison fire perpetuated by 'enemy agents'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Agencies
17 Oct 2022 20:06

The head of the judiciary in Iran Mohsen Ejei says that the recent fire that broke out in Evin prison in Tehran and resulted in 8 deaths among inmates was perpetrated by enemy agents and that calm returned to the prison

Secretary of Iran's High Council for Human Rights Kazem Gharibabadi inspecting Evin prison in Tehran after the fire (IRNA)

The Head of the Judiciary in Iran, Mohsen Ejei, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the fire that occurred in the Evin prison in the Iranian capital Tehran on Sunday night was perpetrated and carried out by a "group of enemy agents".

"What happened in Evin prison is a crime carried out by a number of enemy agents," Ejei said, explaining that, "during the incident, a number of prisoners set fire to one of the workshops that we established to provide job opportunities for prisoners in order to help their families, and the meeting hall in the prison was also burned down."

He continued, "communication was established between all prisoners and their families after the fire occurred," stressing that "there is not a single prisoner left who did not call and reassure his family of his health condition".

The Chief Justice also stated that "it is funny that the American President talks about Iran despite the many precedents of his country in committing crimes over the past decades against people around the world."

On his account, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, commenting on the Evin prison fire incident, stressed that "taking unfounded positions and rushing to release judgments by the United States about the Evin prison fire is unacceptable".

"Iran is a country that bears its responsibilities, and this could happen anywhere else," Kanaani said.

In a report, Iranian television stated that "the purpose of setting fire to the sewing workshop in Evin prison was to secure the escape of some prisoners charged under crimes and robberies they carried out."

Earlier, Tehran governor Mohsen Mansouri announced that "the fire in Evin prison has been contained and calm has returned to it."

Kazem Gharibabadi, Secretary of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, visited Evin prison following the fire to inspect the event.

"In my capacity as the Secretary General of the High Council for Human Rights, I just visited different sections of Evin Prison, including its health center. I also talked with the Head of the State Prisons Organization regarding the current situation of prisoners," Gharibabadi posted on his Twitter account, adding that, "Clashes and fires broke out by those incarcerated in Ward No. 7, where thugs and prisoners convicted of violent crimes are held. Hopefully, the fires did not spread to other wards."

Gharibabadi also confirmed that, "Calm has now been restored in Evin Prison, and the situation is under full control," and that, "All the prisoners are in contact with their families, and those who sustained injuries have received treatment."

"the security and safety of prisoners are of paramount importance. The prison officials have promised to make sure all the rights of prisoners are fully respected," he added.

Earlier on Sunday, Iran's judiciary announced that after a brawl erupted among a few inmates of the Evin prison in Tehran, a fire broke out in one of the workshops, leading security and medical personnel to intervene, that were able to assist 70 convicts caught in flames and transport them to a safe location.

Despite all efforts, 8 prisoners died and more than 60 sustained injuries, 51 of which were treated right away, while the others were hospitalized due to needing medical attention.