Inside Evin Prison: Women’s Struggles and Resilience Amidst Brutality
Crouched alone in a tiny, windowless cell within Iran’s infamous Evin prison, Nasim could hear the sounds of fellow inmates enduring torture. A guard would taunt her, threatening, “Get ready, you’re next.” Nasim endured daily interrogations lasting 10 to 12 hours, coupled with threats of execution.
The 36-year-old hairdresser’s confinement began with four months of solitary isolation, where she faced an empty space no larger than two meters with no basic amenities. The torment of isolation led her to believe she might die unnoticed.
Accounts gathered reveal the harrowing conditions faced by Nasim and countless other women arrested during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests sparked by the tragic death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Amini’s death, following her arrest for alleged hijab violations, ignited widespread outrage and protests across Iran.
While some former inmates have shared their experiences after release, detailed glimpses into the daily lives of those currently imprisoned remain scarce.
The Evin prison houses many of these women activists, charged with various political crimes. Despite the grim environment, they continue to advocate for women’s rights and challenge their oppressive circumstances. In one case, an inmate became pregnant after a rare private meeting with her husband.
Nasim’s activism led to her arrest in April 2023 during protests, amid a violent government crackdown that claimed lives, including that of a close friend. Her resilience stemmed from memories of those who perished on the streets, pushing her through the harrowing interrogations that left her battered and bruised.
Rezvaneh, another inmate, also found herself in Evin after participating in protests with her husband. Their interrogators threatened dire consequences, adding to the psychological torment of prisoners in the women’s section, which accommodates around 70 inmates accused of political dissent.
This facility is notorious for housing prominent detainees, including British-Iranian citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who endured nearly four years in these harsh conditions before returning to the UK in 2022. Most women here are imprisoned for activism, facing charges ranging from spreading propaganda to endangering national security.
Living conditions are dire, with inmates housed in overcrowded cells designed for up to 20 women. Despite the cramped environment leading to tensions, the prisoners form strong bonds, supporting one another through difficult times.
The harsh Iranian winters leave inmates freezing with makeshift hot water bottles, while summers bring unbearable heat. Despite these challenges, the women try to sustain themselves by cooking meals with limited resources from the prison shop.
The prison contains a small yard for limited outdoor access and a designated area for smoking, illustrating a small semblance of freedom within the oppressive walls. Within the confines of Evin, the women manage to express their creativity. Vida, a fellow inmate, uses bedsheets as canvases, painting portraits of other women prisoners despite the risk of censorship and punishment from authorities.
Access to medical care poses another significant challenge. Narges Mohammadi, a renowned human rights activist, faced life-threatening health issues while having to fight for treatment, a struggle intensified by her refusal to comply with unjust dress codes imposed on female prisoners.
Even amidst their suffering, the women stage protests and perform acts of defiance against their captors. They have pushed for changes within their environment, including the addition of curtains for privacy, and have continued to protest systemic injustices within the prison system, often at great personal risk.
The women of Evin prison have bravely protested against the Iranian regime, chanting for justice and standing in solidarity with those impacted by recent governmental executions. Their courage continues to draw international attention, particularly following the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, during which the women burned headscarves to symbolize their defiance.
As Rezvaneh’s pregnancy progressed, the authorities allowed temporary leave for her to give birth in October, joyfully welcoming a daughter amidst considerable pain and uncertainty. She fears the impending return to prison while balancing the joys and challenges of motherhood under such dire conditions.
Despite the harsh realities they face, many inmates agree that these struggles have only heightened their resolve to fight for freedom and justice, affirming that their collective spirit remains unbroken.
