Evin Prison in Iran has become a grim symbol of political repression due to its management practices, inhumane conditions for inmates, and systematic suppression. The prison utilizes small solitary confinement cells, complete isolation, denial of basic rights, and physical and psychological torture to achieve a singular goal: breaking the spirit and resolve of political dissidents.
Ward 240 of Evin Prison is recognized as one of the most horrifying examples of systematic human rights abuses in Iran. This ward, infamous for its inhumane treatment, harsh isolation, and acts of torture, serves as an effective tool for suppressing political activists and dissidents.
Structure and Management of Ward 240
Ward 240 is housed in a four-story building, with each floor containing approximately 100 solitary confinement cells, amounting to a total of 400 cells. In the 1980s, this ward was known as the “Resting Area” and was specifically designed to detain political and security prisoners. Each cell is roughly 1.5 by 2 meters in size and includes only a small toilet, a sink, and a tiny window near the ceiling. These cells are deliberately designed to isolate prisoners from any form of human interaction and apply psychological pressure.
The ward is directly overseen by the Ministry of Intelligence and plays a pivotal role during political and social crises, such as widespread protests, in detaining and interrogating political and civil activists. Ward 240 serves not only as a holding facility but also as a mechanism for enforcing isolation and breaking prisoners’ resistance.
Inhumane Conditions and Torture in Ward 240
Prisoners in Ward 240 are deprived of numerous basic rights. They have extremely limited access to outdoor spaces and are often confined to their small cells for days, or even months, on end. The use of books, television, or other forms of communication is strictly prohibited, and prisoners are often denied regular visits with their families or lawyers.
Reports from former detainees describe prolonged interrogations involving threats, psychological pressure, and physical torture. Those who have been released from Ward 240 describe it as a “prison within a prison,” where the primary objective is to break prisoners’ morale and willpower.
Historical Context and Observations from the 1980s
During the 1980s, Ward 240 became a central part of the Iranian government’s broad campaign to suppress political opposition. The horrific conditions included denial of fresh air, prohibition of exercise, or even singing within cells. Prisoners who protested these harsh rules were often subjected to severe punishments, such as beatings with cables.
Accounts from political prisoners of that time reveal that Ward 240 was systematically designed to foster an atmosphere of fear and submission. This approach has remained largely unchanged, with superficial alterations to the ward’s structure or naming serving as attempts to conceal its oppressive nature.
Prominent Prisoners and Social Impact
Ward 240 has been home to many well-known political figures, journalists, and civil activists. During the 2009 protests and other political crises, many prominent activists were detained in this ward. The primary goal of subjecting these individuals to such harsh conditions was to send a message of repression to society and intimidate other dissidents.
The existence of facilities like Ward 240 has devastating effects on the families and friends of prisoners. The uncertainty surrounding the prisoners’ conditions imposes immense psychological pressure on their loved ones. This pressure extends beyond families, affecting the broader society and serving as a symbol of restricted freedom of expression and the suppression of political opposition. These impacts illustrate the far-reaching effects of such structures in reinforcing fear and political control.
