Evin Prison faces an emergency with suspended food distribution and closed stores. Human rights groups demand prisoner release under Iranian law amid crisis conditions.
Iran Human Rights Society, Saturday, 28 February 2026 – Reports received indicate an emergency situation in Evin Prison. Informed sources report disruption in the normal administration process of the prison and severe restrictions on prisoners’ access to food and basic necessities. At the same time, the issue of releasing prisoners in crisis conditions has once again been raised.
Evin Prison, Deprivation of Political Prisoners’ Right to Visit
According to published information, the internal situation of Evin Prison has been described as chaotic. It is said that prison administrative staff have closed the prison gates and left the premises. The prison store has been closed and prisoners are facing difficulties in meeting their daily needs.
Suspension of Food Distribution in Various Wards
According to reports, in the women’s ward of Evin Prison, no food has been distributed since the morning and only a limited amount of bread has been provided to the prisoners. A similar situation has been reported in Ward 7 of Evin Prison, where no food items have been distributed among the prisoners.
This situation has created concerns about the health of the prisoners. In circumstances where access to the store has also been cut off, the possibility of providing basic necessities for the prisoners has become limited.
Families’ Visits and Lack of Accountability
Simultaneously with the publication of these reports, families of prisoners have gone to the front of Evin Prison gate to obtain information about the condition of their loved ones. However, according to sources close to the families, no clear response has been provided to them regarding the prisoners’ situation.
Similar reports have also been published from other cities. Families of prisoners in some cities have gone to the front of prisons, but no transparent information has been provided about the prisoners’ situation.
Concern About Repetition of Attack on Evin Prison
The increase in concerns comes while Evin Prison had previously been targeted in an attack. That incident raised serious questions about the security of prisoners and the responsibility of relevant institutions in protecting them.
In the current situation and given the threats arising from military conflicts, some observers emphasize the necessity of taking preventive measures to protect prisoners.
Call for the Release of Prisoners Within the Framework of the Law
The Iran Human Rights Society, in response to this situation, has issued a call for the release of prisoners. In this call, reference is made to Resolution No. 211 of the Supreme Judicial Council dated 12 January 1987.
Call for Implementation of Resolution 211, Release of Prisoners Following War Attacks
According to this resolution, in emergency situations resulting from war, the Judiciary is obliged to take action using legal tools to preserve the lives of prisoners. These tools include conversion of bail, granting of conditional release, acceptance of bail or suretyship, and transfer of prisoners to safe locations.
In accordance with this regulation, if usual measures are insufficient, prosecutor’s offices can proceed with the temporary release of non-dangerous prisoners until the emergency situation is resolved. For prisoners convicted of violent crimes, transfer to safe locations has also been provided for.
In total, simultaneously with reports concerning the emergency situation in Evin Prison, the issue of releasing prisoners and implementing the regulations provided for crisis conditions has been placed on the agenda for discussion.
Violation of Human Rights in the Emergency Situation of Evin Prison
Given the published reports about the prisoners’ conditions, some fundamental principles of human rights may be at risk of violation. The following cases can be examined based on international human rights documents:
- Violation of the Right to Life – Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Creating unsafe conditions in prison and failure to take protective measures in a dangerous situation can threaten the lives of prisoners.
- Violation of the Right to Access to Food – Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Suspension of food distribution and restriction of access to basic necessities can conflict with the right to an adequate standard of living.
- Violation of the Right to Enjoy Health – Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Deprivation of adequate nutrition can endanger the physical health of prisoners.
- Violation of the Right to Humane Treatment of Prisoners – Article 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.
- Violation of the Right of Families to Access Information – Article 17 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Lack of information for families about the prisoners’ situation can conflict with the right to protection of family privacy.
- Violation of the Prohibition of Inhuman Treatment – Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Harsh conditions and basic deprivations may be considered as inhuman or degrading treatment.
- Violation of the Obligation to Protect Civilians in Time of Hostilities – Article 27 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: Persons under detention must be protected against the effects of hostilities.
- Violation of the Principle of Precautions Against Dangers of War – Article 58 of Additional Protocol I of 1977: The detaining authority is obliged to take practical measures to mitigate the danger to persons under its control.
Reports concerning the situation of prisoners indicate that immediate examination of the conditions and adoption of supportive measures can be considered within the framework of domestic and international obligations.
See also the below articles:
- New Judicial Case Against Shahin Zoghi Tabar: Judge Iman Afshari Threatens Severe Punishment
- Medical Neglect of Political Prisoner Sajjad Imannejad in Evin Prison Worsens Health Crisis
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