Nasim, a 36-year-old hairdresser, spent her first four months in Iran’s Evin prison in solitary confinement. In a tiny, windowless cell without a bed or toilet, she endured hours of daily interrogations and threats of execution. Her experience highlights the harsh realities for women detained in this infamous prison.
Evin prison, located in Tehran, is notorious for its brutal treatment of inmates, many of whom are political prisoners. Among them are women arrested during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. Amini had been detained for allegedly violating hijab laws and died in police custody.
While details from inside Evin are rare, accounts from reliable sources paint a grim picture of physical and psychological abuse. Many women, like Nasim, were subjected to torture to extract false confessions. Others, like Rezvaneh, faced threats against loved ones. Both Nasim and Rezvaneh were arrested during the 2023 protests and eventually moved to the women’s wing, which houses around 70 detainees, most charged with political offenses.
The women’s wing is overcrowded, with up to 20 inmates crammed into cells with triple-stacked bunk beds. Conflicts arise from the cramped living conditions, but strong bonds also form among the women. Despite the dire circumstances, the inmates find ways to resist and maintain hope. Some refuse to wear headscarves, push for privacy curtains around their beds, and stage protests against executions.
For many, daily life is a constant struggle. Basic prison meals are supplemented by food purchased from the prison shop, often at inflated prices. Winters are bitterly cold, while summers bring oppressive heat. Inmates share two bathrooms and spend most of their time in their cells, sitting on their beds.
Yet moments of resilience and defiance shine through. Vida, a journalist, creates murals in the prison corridors, though authorities often destroy her work. Her ocean wave painting remains, bringing a touch of solace to the harsh environment.
Medical care is another battleground. Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, detained in Evin, had to fight for access to treatment for life-threatening conditions. Only after a hunger strike by fellow inmates was she allowed medical attention.
For pregnant inmates like Rezvaneh, the challenges are even greater. She conceived during rare private meetings with her imprisoned husband and gave birth to a baby girl outside the prison. Despite her joy, she fears returning to Evin with her infant to serve the remainder of her five-year sentence.
Evin prison symbolizes the Iranian regime’s suppression of dissent. Yet, its women inmates, despite facing torture, harsh sentences, and constant surveillance, continue to resist. Their courage in the face of adversity underscores their belief in a brighter future and their determination to fight for it—even behind bars.
