The Evin prison, located in Tehran, has gained notoriety for its grim conditions and the harsh treatment of its inmates, particularly women. Recent reports have provided rare insights into the lives of female prisoners detained under oppressive circumstances, often related to protests for civil rights, such as the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement that arose after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Amini’s death, while imprisoned for allegedly not adhering to hijab laws, sparked nationwide protests and mass arrests, leading to a significant number of women being incarcerated in Evin.
Among these women is Nasim, a 36-year-old hairdresser who was subjected to extreme interrogation tactics. Crouching alone in her stark, windowless cell, she was constantly terrorized by the sounds of torture. Nasim endured daily interrogations lasting between 10 to 12 hours, facing threats of execution. Her initial four months in solitary confinement represented a nightmarish introduction to prison life, where she felt isolated and feared she would die unnoticed. Such harrowing experiences are echoed in accounts gathered from multiple reliable sources, which reveal the brutality faced by women inside Evin.
Women like Nasim, many among tens of thousands arrested during the protests, have shared little about their experiences while still in custody. The complexities of life in Evin prison blend brutality and resilience. Some inmates have found surprising ways to protest their conditions, asserting their rights amidst oppressive restrictions. For example, one woman was able to conceive during a rare private visit with her husband, illustrating the peculiar intersections of personal lives within the broader context of political repression.
Another incarcerated woman, Rezvaneh, was also arrested during the protests and faced similarly dire threats against her and her husband from interrogators. After enduring solitary confinement and joining others in the women’s wing, she became part of a community that, while constrained by punitive conditions, has developed strong bonds of support. The women’s wing houses around 70 inmates, most of whom face political charges, and the dynamics within these cells reveal a mixture of camaraderie and conflict due to overcrowding.
The living conditions are stark, characterized by cramped spaces with bunk beds stacked three high. Prisoners often face extreme temperatures: cold winters and sweltering summers, leading women to cope with makeshift solutions, like hot water bottles. Efforts to cook and supplement prison meals are challenging, as acquiring food from the prison shop is financially burdensome. Despite these difficulties, the women maintain their spirits through small acts of defiance and solidarity, such as protesting against prison policies that impede their dignity.
Through art and creativity, some prisoners express themselves. For instance, Vida, one of the inmates, utilizes bedsheets to create portraits of fellow women, although she faces censorship and restrictions from the authorities when her artwork questions the status quo. The struggles for medical care exemplify the constant fight for their basic rights; prominent activist Narges Mohammadi endured significant health issues but had to advocate vigorously for treatment, illustrating the dire healthcare situation within the prison.
The women also continuously protest against executions and oppressive laws, staging hunger strikes and chanting in defiance of authority. They demonstrate their determination to fight for freedom and justice, despite being subjected to further retaliation from prison guards, who oscillate between kindness and cruelty based on directives from higher authorities.
While each woman’s journey through Evin prison varies, they collectively highlight the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime. Many face long sentences and harsh treatment for their activism, with some women facing the death penalty for politically motivated charges. Yet, within the confines of this notorious institution, they find strength in each other, crafting a sense of unity and resilience amidst despair.
Their stories resonate far beyond the prison walls; as they continue to challenge the limitations imposed on them, they inspire broader movements for change. The narratives of Nasim, Rezvaneh, and others serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggles for women in Iran, shedding light on the importance of their fight for rights and recognition in a repressive environment.
