Life for Women in Iran's Notorious Prison

This account sheds light on the harrowing yet resilient lives of women in Iran's notorious Evin Prison. Their stories, marked by unimaginable hardships and acts of courage, depict a reality of brutality intertwined with defiance.

Evin Prison, infamous for its treatment of political prisoners, holds many women who have been detained for participating in the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. These women endure severe punishments, including solitary confinement, lengthy interrogations, physical abuse, and constant psychological pressure. Yet, they continue to resist oppression and find strength in solidarity.

The living conditions in Evin are deplorable. Women share overcrowded cells, with up to 20 people in each, lacking basic necessities such as adequate food, heating, or medical care. Despite these circumstances, they manage to create a semblance of community. They cook together, engage in creative activities like painting, and support one another emotionally. The bonds they form offer solace and strength amid the uncertainty of their sentences and the looming threat of execution.

Pregnancy in prison adds another layer of challenge. Rezvaneh’s story of conceiving her child in these conditions underscores the resilience of human hope even in the darkest of times. However, her joy is tempered by the reality of raising a child in a prison environment, a stark reminder of the inhumane conditions women face.

The women’s defiance is remarkable. They refuse to comply with rules like wearing headscarves, stage protests against executions, and fight for basic rights like privacy and access to medical care. Their actions, including burning headscarves and chanting against oppression, reflect their determination to stand up for justice, even at great personal risk.

These accounts highlight not only the systematic violations of human rights within Evin Prison but also the unyielding spirit of the women who refuse to be silenced. Their courage is a testament to their belief in a better future, where freedom and dignity prevail over oppression.