Inside Israel's attack on Iran's Evin Prison

The shocking account of a survivor

Amid heightened tensions between the two nations, Israel launched a predawn airstrike on the notorious Evin Prison in Tehran on Sunday, triggering a fresh escalation of Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israeli targets in the Gulf and elsewhere. The targeted attack on Evin Prison, which holds thousands of prisoners, including dozens of dual nationals and Iranians accused of collaborating with the United States, is being hailed as a major operation. It remains to be seen whether it will succeed in weakening the Islamic Republic's ability to launch attacks.

The survivor's account

The prisoner, who shared a cell with several other inmates, described being woken up by the sound of explosions and the building shaking. He recounted how he saw sunlight streaming through the hole in the roof caused by the missile strike.

The aftermath

He said he saw several bodies on the floor, including those of prison guards, and realized that the guards had been trying to stop inmates from escaping. He said he saw several inmates injured, some badly, and described a scene of chaos and confusion as prisoners struggled to escape or find out what had happened.

A desperate escape

He described his own escape as "lucky", saying he had been able to push open the damaged door of his cell and run down a corridor with other prisoners. He said he saw more missiles hitting the prison as he fled, and described a feeling of panic and fear as he tried to find an exit.

A devastating attack

The prisoner said he saw several more bodies on the floor as he made his way out of the building, including those of fellow inmates. He said he eventually found an exit and was able to flee the prison with several other men. He described a feeling of overwhelming relief at having escaped, but also a sense of horror at what he had seen and experienced.