Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei issued a strong condemnation of Israel following what Iran reports was an Israeli airstrike on Evin Prison’s medical facility on June 23, resulting in the deaths of 79 individuals – families visiting prisoners, staff and passersby alike – according to international humanitarian law (en.irna.ir, Tasnimnews.com and news.abplive com) according to Tehran.
Baqaei described the attack on Twitter as an act of deliberate violence and cruelty, carried out at an area crowded with visitors and staff. He claimed victims “were trapped and burned to death under the rubble”, calling this an attack against international conventions like 1979 International Convention against Hostage-Taking and Geneva Conventions which protect noncombatants and medical staff during armed conflicts (news.abplive.com/ +2TasnimNews com /2Tasnimnews.com/2Tasnimnews ).
Baqaei reiterated his call for universal condemnation and legal action from those of good conscience to respond swiftly to such atrocity, calling upon the international community (particularly the UN) to unreservedly condemn Israel for what he called war crimes committed during this attack, demanding immediate and strong global repercussions for such atrocity (including socialnews.xyz). The Iranian spokesperson asserted a prompt global response should follow. For further reading: en.irna.ir + 3 +3 and Tasnimnews com +3 and socialnews xyz +3.
Tehran released disturbing video footage purporting to depict the aftermath of Israel’s strike: collapsed walls and injured survivors fleeing underneath debris. Iranian official Baqaei noted, however, that each passing day revealed new dimensions of Netanyahu’s war crimes against Tehran and other Iranian cities–an indication of additional incidents and casualties to come to light over time. www.socialnews.xyz and news.abplive com both offered links back for viewers interested in further viewing these clips
Israeli Response and Broader Tensions
Israel Katz publicly acknowledged the operation, stating it targeted Evin Prison’s gate and was conducted pursuant to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s directives. In fact, Katz highlighted how this operation also struck at multiple government and security sites in Tehran–citing Evin Prison among several high-value targets (socialnews.xyz/+1 and news.abplive.com/+1 for example).
International Reaction & Legal Implications United Nations human rights experts expressed serious concern at this incident given its urban civilian context and impact on detainees, warning of potential post-conflict repression. They signaled transferral of prisoners to other facilities as well as enforced disappearances (news.abplive.com; socialnews.xyz); these reports should also be closely followed for their legal implications.
Iran has called for prompt investigations by international bodies such as the UN Human Rights Council, International Criminal Court (ICC), and Secretary-General. Baqaei noted that any attempt at impunity undercuts international humanitarian law.
Significance and Strategic Shifts
Erosion of norms: This attack highlights an increasingly disturbing trend where airstrikes strike residential and public areas with potential civilian casualties.
Internal Pressures: Iran’s robust diplomatic push indicates a growing domestic desire for accountability and international redress.
Global Legal Test: This case could put international institutions like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and United Nations to the test in terms of war crime accountability; especially given Israel’s frequent rejection of international jurisdiction.