As Iran reels from the unprecedented bombing of Tehran’s Evin Prison, reports indicate a simultaneous intensification of repression against political prisoners in Vakilabad Prison, Mashhad—raising alarms over a systematic clampdown under the guise of security.
Since Friday, June 20, 2025, all phone communications for political prisoners held in Vakilabad Prison have been completely and abruptly cut off. The move came without prior notice or legal justification, leaving families in a state of distress and complete uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones. In tandem, in-person visitations have been canceled and replaced with restricted glass-partitioned (non-contact) visits.
A Disturbing Parallel: The Bombing of Evin Prison
Just days earlier, on Tuesday, June 16, 2025, Tehran’s Evin Prison was subjected to an unprecedented military-style bombing. The assault caused significant damage to key areas, including Ward 4, the women’s section, the gymnasium, library, and infirmary. Eyewitnesses reported several inmates injured and widespread destruction, including shattered windows.
The situation is especially alarming for prisoners held in Ward 209—a section notorious for housing political detainees—who have been transferred to undisclosed locations. The authorities’ silence regarding their whereabouts has deepened fears of repeat tragedies similar to past incidents in Iranian detention centers.
Psychological Torture Disguised as “Security Measures”
The escalation of restrictions in Vakilabad—most notably the total shutdown of phone contact and cancellation of physical visits—amounts to a form of psychological torture. These measures violate the fundamental rights of detainees, particularly their right to family contact during times of crisis, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
The absence of any official explanation for these abrupt changes further underscores the arbitrary and punitive nature of the state’s treatment of political prisoners.
Holding Political Prisoners in Wartime Conditions: A Clear Human Rights Breach
Under international law, especially during times of armed conflict or national crisis, states are obligated to ensure the safety, dignity, and humane treatment of detainees. The Iranian government’s failure to inform families, secure safe detention facilities, or provide adequate protection constitutes a serious breach of international conventions, including the Convention Against Torture.
From Isolated Incidents to Systematic Repression
The deadly fire at Evin Prison in 2022, the state’s neglect during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the complete isolation of prisoners in Vakilabad are not isolated incidents. Together, they paint a disturbing picture of a long-term, systematic policy of repression against political detainees in Iran.
